Why the Supreme Court decison gives me hope

The Supreme Court ruled yesterday that marriage is no longer defined between a man and a women.  Gay couples can now marry in the United States and be recognized as a couple just like heterosexual couples have always been recognized.  I have watched my Facebook page blow up with everyone's opinions, for and against (mostly against on my feed) and many friends changed their profile pictures to a rainbow of colors for their profile pictures.

If I'm honest here, I was disappointed yesterday. I believe the Lord designed marriage to be between a man and a woman.  I don't think there is any question about that.  To see the White House lit up in gay colors gave me great pause.  But as I watched opinions fly back and forth on the news and on my Facebook feed, I wondered what God really wanted us, as Jesus followers, to do in this situation.

It's amazing how much I have bounced back and forth from being angry and fearful over this event, to being filled with love and compassion for the gay community.  I know what this decision means for our country....the path this puts us on at breakneck speed.  I know the whole Sodom and Gomorrah references and comparisons.  When I allow it, fear creeps in when I think about what my children will have to endure.  I see news about persecution of Christians and evangelicals predicting there is more to come and I believe them.  You can't be a Jesus lover in this country and not see the turn we are taking. A man can marry and man in a courthouse where no biblical reference is allowed.  I get it. 

I'm not gay, but I wonder what it has been like for them to be left out.  To be condemned.  To be told you don't belong because of who you love or how you feel.  When I stop being fearful and judgmental for a minute, I think about the people behind the label.  The people God loves.  The people Jesus died for.  I wonder if I were labeled because of my sin and was condemned by others the way we condemn them, would that make me want to be friends with them?  To know them?

Maybe if I stop judging and just love.  Maybe if I stop.  Maybe.  If I set down my fear and condemnation and "you're going to hell" attitude, maybe then I might have a chance to get to know them.  Get to be friends with them.  Maybe I will understand a little more and judge a little less.  And maybe then I can tell them about Jesus.

This is why yesterday gives me hope.  Because none of this comes as a surprise to the God I love.  I know how this all ends.  No Jesus follower wants sin and what the ramifications are on us as people and a country; but it's here.  Always has been since Eve listened to the snake and acted on it.  It's time I stop listening to the snake and focus my eyes on the God who makes all things and allows all things to happen.