Let It Not Be About Fear: Thoughts About The Same Sex Marriage Ruling
I had no intention of writing about the Supreme Court’s decision concerning same sex marriage.
Not me.
No way.
There are too many barbs flying around in that arena. I don’t deal with conflict well and I don’t duck quickly. I fully intended to keep my fingers off the computer keys that spell GAY MARRIAGE.
But two things happened this week that changed my mind. My son said many of his friends are afraid of what the Supreme Court decision means for the future of their generation. And my husband told me about a man who made harmful life choices and now lives with regret because no one told him to choose differently.
So, just in case there is someone who is afraid of what the SCOTUS decision means and needs to hear it, I’m going to make one statement about the ruling and then I am going to duck and run.
IT’S GONNA BE OKAY!
Take a deep breath and know that God is still sovereign. (Psalm 46:10) The God who created everything from nothing, who held the Red Sea apart while over two million people crossed through it, who stopped the sun in the sky and calmed a storm with His words is not troubled.
Are things going to change?
Sure, they are. The disciples of Jesus will learn to love more. They will more diligently teach their children the ways of God. They will turn an ear more often to the Holy Spirit to know when to speak and when to remain quiet, to understand when to reprimand and when to wash feet, and to learn how to offer grace always.
Will it be easy?
Of course, not? And it won’t be comfortable. But the people I know who have walked with Jesus and have seen the magnitude of God don’t want “comfortable”. They want more of God. They want to love more, hear the voice of the Holy Spirit better, and offer to others the grace that rains down on them.
What response should you have to same sex marriage?
Well, I’m going to say you should choose love every time. However, I don’t have a clue about what choosing love will look like for you? That is between you and the Holy Spirit.
Just don’t let your response be influenced by fear . . . not fear for yourself . . . not fear for your children . . . not fear for the United States as a nation. He who is in you is still greater than he who is in the world. The words of Jesus can still calm the storm of fear, confusion and bitterness in the world.
IT’S GONNA BE OKAY!
In fact, if the turmoil surrounding the issue of same sex marriage causes us to seek more of God, to depend on Him more for wisdom and assurance, it is going to be good. (Psalm 34:8)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)