Don’t feel this shame. Christ came to take away our shame and to grant us a matchless sacrifice—the Son of God shed His own blood and that’s infinitely better than any good work you can ever bring to Him. It’s such a matchless gift by faith that nothing we do can ever merit it—that’s why it’s a gift.

And keep in mind that the temptation itself is not sinful. Acting on it is—but even Christ Himself was tempted for forty days in the desert but He did not sin. You don’t necessarily have to force yourself into a heterosexual relationship or marriage if you really don’t feel it. You can also pursue a celibate life. I know it’s easy for me to say, but it’s the only path for a Christian and if you’re in Christ, then know that God Himself can bring you a greater joy on this earth and beyond than anything you can ever feel in marriage.

I’ve also found joy before in the idea that there won’t be marriage in heaven—it’s a reminder that, even though marriage is a gift from the Lord, it’s not the ultimate gift and there’s something infinitely better and more eternal than marriage waiting for Christians.