Love Wins

Last week the Supreme Court passed the decision to legalize same-sex marriage in all 50 states of the United States.  The decision passed by a slight 5-4 margin.  Unless you live under a rock, the information world has been all a buzz about this with both sides speaking loudly regarding their stand.  Rainbows are everywhere and even the White House was lit up like a rainbow.  

I've hesitated to respond at all to this discussion, but after much rumination, for which this blog is named, I think I finally have my thoughts together.  No matter which side you are on, I plead with you to read this entire blog post.  Some of it you may agree with, and some of it you may not.  But here in the land of the free, I'm glad I have the freedom to express it.

I do not believe in same-sex marriage.  Why?  Because I believe the Bible clearly indicates that marriage is between one man and one woman.  A wise person once said "you can't legalize morality" and for that, just because I believe the Bible in its entirety doesn't mean I can force my beliefs on you.  But men and women died for me to have the freedom to believe that.  And practice that.  Though I may not be a supporter of the Supreme Court decision, it doesn't mean I'm forlorn for this world.  God is still on His Throne, and one day all things will be made right.  And I can pray for my nation and my leaders for the days ahead.  

I would like to address the people on both sides because I feel there are things I want to say to everyone.  I have friends and acquaintances that are homosexual or support the gay lifestyle.  And I still love them.  

To those that support same-sex marriage:  For you this decision was a long time coming and many of you feel very vindicated for what has been withheld from you for so long.  The right to marry legally.  Though I don't agree with your lifestyle, I hope what has occurred will provide you fulfillment.  I don't believe any Supreme Court decision is the answer to life's questions, or will solve all your problems.  I do ask that you respect those who believe the opposite of you.  The freedom you have now to marry legally is the same freedom others deserve to practice what they believe to be truth from the Bible.  Denying those of that freedom is no different than the denial you've had (until last week) to be recognized as a legally-bound union.

To those that do not support same-sex marriage:  First off, God has not crawled off His Throne.  God loves the homosexual just like He loves you.  The response to this should not be hate, but love.  This can be discouraging to those who believe strongly in God's Word.  But if you do, the Bible warns of these times to come, and more than ever the Gospel needs to be the foundation of all we do.  I fear we Christians have not done a good job at honoring the marriage covenant and taking it so lightly with adultery and other fornication that it truly is no wonder the definition of marriage is skewed.  I pray that as Christians, we will stand more strongly for marriages to be God-centered and God-honoring and help repair what we've torn in two, allowing a non-biblical union to appear more solid.  

By now you may have decided to unfollow me, unfriend me or block me.  I hope not, but understand if you feel the need to do so.  There is not one friend or acquaintance I have that supports same-sex marriage that I don't respect and/or love.  And that's what I hope you leave with.  Love.  Not hate.  Not judgment.  But love.  

Jesus loves me this I know.  And that, folks, is how Love Wins.