Don't Fear Sin
First, a quick introduction. Hopefully, this will be one of many articles written, but you should know where I am coming from. I am a young male to female that practices in the Russian Orthodox faith. Although, the church at times is not exactly tolerant of me, I believe the basic tenets are. I'll later discuss that, but at least now you know my background.
I think the biggest thing we, especially we in this community, get hung up on is legalism. We frantically search Scripture and the Holy Fathers looking for approval of our lifestyle. Granted it does exist. One can find much proof in text and logic for support; however, since this is available freely on the web, I am not going to repeat it here. Rather, I would like to address an issue that I believe is more important. That is how our lifestyle affects us spiritually and emotionally.
Many of us need to get away from the idea that being transgendered is a sin. Granted, this is difficult. We've been so brainwashed for years that this is the case, that even the best of us feel guilty at times. However, it is not sinful. Seeking help for an accident that happened at birth is not wrong. The fact that you are here now reading this and coming to terms with who you are is actually the opposite of being sinful. For being a Christian is not about what we are, but who we are supposed to be. It is tossing aside the pride that forces us to structure and glorify our fallen nature, rather than our intended nature. This takes humility and it is not easy. So rejoice that you have found help.
I believe a second issue needs to be addressed before all else. That is the Christian's constant fear of sin. What I am going to say may sound strange, but bear with me. Do not be afraid of sin. We all sin. Sin, really, is not that big of a deal. God is a big enough to overcome even our greatest faults. Rather, be afraid of not asking forgiveness. Remember that those we glorify are the publican, the tax collectors, the harlot, and the thief. That is because they asked forgiveness. Don't concern yourself as to whether or not you are in a sinful life. (Please note that I'm not saying, "go sin," but I am saying don't be overwhelmed by them. Christianity is about overcoming). Rather, concern yourself with always being able to seek forgiveness. You cannot do it by yourself. Just as an animal cannot escape from a trap, we cannot escape for the snares that Satan has laid. We must allow someone else to do it for us. That someone is Christ.
Thus, as a transgendered woman, ask yourself, "Am I living in humility? Am I living without judging? Am I willing to allow Christ to carry me out of sins?" That is the important issue. Yet, it may still seem frightening because we will often go lengths of time without seeking forgiveness. But, if we constantly maintain even a bit of hope, then we will be forgiven. We may fall and ask forgiveness a million times in life. Each time afterward, our changes will amount to zero. If we continue to maintain trust in Christ, then He places a one in front of those million zeros. So, do not concern yourself with scanning the Word for approval. Instead, scan your life to see if you are allowing for constant forgiveness.
Set up an accountability system. Often transsexuals go through depression and can fall in despair. Be sure to have someone to go to. Like alcoholics in AA, there always is someone to depend on, someone you can talk with. It can be your pastor, a friend, myself, anyone. Just someone you can go to when depression, despondency, and doubt set in. Even if you've delayed, allow yourself that moment with someone so you do not loose forgiveness, and so that you may constantly seek Christ. Otherwise, it is too easy to destroy yourself inside. For with despair, there is no hope, and without hope there will be no forgiveness.
So if you wish to live a Christian life as a transgendered, remember two things: 1.) Always ask God for forgiveness and always give it to those who seek it. 2.) Live a life with hope, not in fear of sin and a wrathful God, but humbly trusting that Christ will look at us with mercy and love when we ask, "God forgive me a sinner."