Agape

 "I go by Alice," I thought he said.

 He combed his long brown hair with slim fingers.

 A pervert?

 A transgender pervert?

 If he had talked to me, could I have looked into his eyes? Could I smile? If he held out his hand to me, could I take it? Could I tell him that I was glad to meet him? Could I be a friend to him, despite his sinful status? Could I, honestly?

 Why does the idea of a man pretending to be a woman make it hard for me to show kindness and Christ-like love? Why is disgust, horrified disgust, the only feeling that surfaces? If it were a divorcee, a swindler, a hypocrite, I could still pretend that it was all okay. I could deal with it in my own way. I could treat them as humanity. I have done that already. But a pervert? What would I do?

 I am sheltered.

 I cringe at being in a world where I have to deal - to live with - to work with - sinners. I want to hide. I don't want to let them touch me. I know it isn't right; so how do I show love despite that?
 I have already had to act lovingly to those who are not saved. I have had to be around people who are living in immorality, people who are hypocrites. It's hard to show love, but it's something I can't think twice about. I know I must, so I do. But a pervert.

 I got to let go of the disgust. Let go of the horror. I got to be grieved at their sin, but not let that overflow to their personage. I got to show - no, even further than that - feel love for them.

 How?

 I don't know any formulas; I don't even have any plan for how I will do it once I'm out of my sheltered box. I don't know. But I do know how my response should be. I do know that I won't be able to change people (only God does that). I do know a lot of people won't listen to me. I do know that Christ's love through me will work miracles. I do know I won't be able to keep silent about the Love of my life. I do know that I must embody Christ and showcase His brilliant light. I do know what love is. And whoever the person, I must show it.
 Hi. I'm glad to meet you. For real.

 You know, I don't hate you. I love you, because you are worth so much. Can we be friends?