The Ninth Beatitude: A Spiritual Shield for LGBTQIA+ and Transgender People A Reminder to Christians—and a Re-Education in the Teachings of Jesus

6-7-2026

Originally Created on 5-26-2026 as a social media post.

By Rev. Paula SadlerFounder, Universal Rainbow Faith

There are moments in history when a faith tradition must stop, look in the mirror, and ask itself a difficult question:

Have we remained faithful to our highest teachings?

For Christianity, that question is especially urgent in 2026.

Across the United States and around the world, many LGBTQIA+ people—and especially transgender people—continue to face rejection, discrimination, exclusion, harassment, and even violence from those who claim to speak in the name of God.

Yet one of the greatest ironies of modern Christianity is that many of the loudest voices condemning LGBTQIA+ people are often the least familiar with the central teachings of Jesus.

This article is not merely a defense of LGBTQIA+ people.

It is a reminder to Christians about their own faith.

It is a return to the words of Jesus.

And it is an invitation to all people—Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, agnostic, atheist, and spiritual seekers alike—to rediscover one of the most powerful teachings ever given to humanity: The Beatitudes.

What Are the Beatitudes?

The Beatitudes are found in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew.

They appear in Matthew 5:3–12 and form the opening of Jesus' most famous sermon.

These teachings are not side notes.

They are not minor observations.

They are the foundation of Jesus' ethical and spiritual vision.

In them, Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.

Rather than praising power, domination, wealth, certainty, or judgment, Jesus blesses humility, compassion, mercy, and courage.

The Beatitudes turn conventional thinking upside down.

They reveal that spiritual greatness is measured not by who we condemn, but by how deeply we love.

My Favorite Beatitude

Of all the Beatitudes, one speaks especially powerfully to many LGBTQIA+ people today.

Matthew 5:11 states:

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."

Many traditions refer to this as the Ninth Beatitude because Jesus shifts from speaking generally about "they" to speaking directly to "you."

It becomes personal.

It becomes intimate.

It becomes a message to every person who has ever been falsely judged, ridiculed, rejected, or condemned.

As I reflected on this verse, I found myself thinking:

"This is the message for all Christians who judge and persecute LGBTQ people."

The verse does not bless the persecutors.

It blesses those being persecuted.

It does not comfort those who condemn.

It comforts those who are condemned.

For transgender people who have been told they are unwelcome, sinful, broken, or beyond God's love, this verse becomes a spiritual shield.

It reminds us that Jesus understood persecution.

He understood rejection.

And he stood with those who were marginalized.

A Spiritual Shield Against Religious Harm

The cards we have created around the Beatitudes were never intended as weapons.

They are shields.

A shield does not attack.

A shield protects.

These cards serve as reminders that no human being has the authority to separate another person from God's love.

When confronted by hatred disguised as religion, the card reminds us:

• I am made in the image and likeness of God.

• God loves me exactly as I am.

• God made transgender people.

• I am worthy.

• I am protected.

• I am loved.

The purpose of the card is not to win an argument.

The purpose is to remember the truth.

Psalm 91: A Prayer of Protection

For centuries, Psalm 91 has been considered one of the most powerful prayers of divine protection.

Many people carry it during times of fear, uncertainty, persecution, or danger.

Its message is simple:

God is a refuge.

God is a shelter.

God is a protector.

For LGBTQIA+ people, Psalm 91 can become a sacred affirmation that hatred does not have the final word.

Love does.

Fear does not have the final word.

Love does.

Violence does not have the final word.

Love does.

The promise of Psalm 91 is not that life will be free of struggle.

The promise is that we are never abandoned in the struggle.

The Beatitudes of Love: A New Worship Anthem

As these reflections evolved, they inspired a worship anthem titled "The Beatitudes of Love."

The song transforms the ancient teachings of Jesus into a modern declaration of dignity and spiritual resilience.

Its central message is:

Blessed are ye when they persecute you.

Blessed are ye when they speak falsely.

Blessed are ye when the world rejects you.

The song reminds LGBTQIA+ people that their worth is not determined by political rhetoric, religious condemnation, or social prejudice.

Their worth comes from the Divine.

One of its most powerful affirmations declares:

"I am made in the image of God. I am worthy. I belong. No hate can separate me from the Spirit, from the Light, from Love Divine."

These words are not merely lyrics.

They are spiritual medicine.

Christianity's Great Course Correction

One of the greatest failings of Christianity—and indeed many religious traditions and humanity itself—has been the treatment of LGBTQIA+ people.

History shows us what happens when fear masquerades as faith.

People suffer.

Families are torn apart.

Communities are divided.

Human dignity is denied.

But history also shows that faith traditions can grow.

They can learn.

They can repent.

They can evolve toward greater compassion.

Every generation must decide whether it will expand love or expand fear.

The future of Christianity may depend on that choice.

To Every LGBTQIA+ Person Reading This

If you have ever been told that God does not love you:

That message was false.

If you have ever been told that your existence is incompatible with spirituality:

That message was false.

If you have ever been told that you are beyond God's grace:

That message was false.

You are not forgotten.

You are not abandoned.

You are not alone.

You are a beloved child of the Divine.

The Beatitudes belong to you too.

The Psalms belong to you too.

Prayer belongs to you too.

Spirituality belongs to you too.

God's love belongs to you too.

And whenever you encounter hatred disguised as holiness, remember the words of Jesus:

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."

May those words become your shield.

May love become your protection.

May compassion become your path.

And may you always remember:

You are loved.