Too often, the church is quick to judge people who don’t fit the “expected” narrative. But real faith isn’t about looking perfect or checking all the boxes—it’s about the heart behind the walk.

Take someone like Jackie Hill Perry, for example. She’s unapologetically honest about her past and the ongoing struggles in her faith journey. She’s shared openly about being a lesbian before coming to Christ and has spoken about still experiencing same-sex temptations even after marriage. Many would say she shouldn’t share her story, that she doesn’t “look” or “sound” like a traditional Christian, or that she shouldn’t have a voice in ministry.

But God doesn’t see her the way humans do. He knows her intentions, her desire to honor Him, and her heart to walk in truth. Salvation and marriage don’t instantly erase struggles or temptations—what matters is the heart’s pursuit of God and the courage to live authentically in His grace.

This is the kind of honesty we need in the church. God calls us to see people’s journeys, not just their pasts or appearances, and to remember that He works in the messy, imperfect, real parts of our lives.