How Should Christians Approach the Topic of Intersex?

Dear Ellen,

I’m working through some challenging questions about intersex individuals and how to approach this from both a practical and biblical perspective. The topic feels complicated, and I want to make sure I respond with wisdom, love, and understanding. What insights can you share to help me navigate this well?

Sincerely,
Seeking Wisdom

Dear Seeking Wisdom,

Thank you for reaching out about such a tender and complex issue. I can hear your heart in wanting to balance theological understanding with love and compassion. This is a delicate topic that deserves both clarity and kindness.

Let’s break this down into practical and personal aspects:

The Practical View

The term “intersex” describes individuals born with variations in their sex characteristics—genitalia, hormones, or chromosomes. However, in about 99% of cases, there is no ambiguity regarding a person’s biological sex. These individuals could be described as “a male with a physical abnormality” or “a female with a physical abnormality.”

It’s important to note that these conditions do not create a third gender.

✔ Genesis 1:27 describes a clear binary—God created humans as male and female.
✔ In Matthew 19, when Jesus referenced eunuchs, He wasn’t introducing a third gender. A eunuch is still a man, just one without testicles (whether born that way, made that way, or chose that path).

Personalizing the Issue with Compassion

While it’s essential to ground ourselves in biblical truth, it’s just as important to approach this topic with humility and empathy.

For many intersex individuals, there is often deep emotional pain—shame, confusion, fear, and even a sense of abandonment by God. These feelings of incongruence in their bodies are incredibly challenging.

As believers, we are called to reflect Christ’s love. Even when we don’t fully understand every theological nuance, our primary responsibility is to extend grace, patience, and love—just as Jesus did.

Additionally, we must humbly acknowledge that science—whether biology, psychology, or social sciences—is our limited attempt to understand God’s creation. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s ways are far beyond our own.

What About the 1% of Truly Ambiguous Cases?

For the rare cases where a child is born with ambiguous sexual characteristics, there may not be a straightforward biblical answer. In such situations, parents must prayerfully seek:

✔ The guidance of the Holy Spirit
✔ The wisdom of trusted medical professionals

The comforting truth is that God is ultimately more concerned with our hearts than with our bodies or gender. While the Bible teaches that our bodies matter, God’s focus is on our relationship with Him. This offers hope and peace to families facing difficult decisions.

I will be praying for you as you continue seeking God’s wisdom and clarity in this area. May His Spirit guide you as you walk with grace and love through this journey.

In Him,
Ellen