A Day Which Proved Love Wins
This was the day the US Supreme Court ruled that same sex marriage was a legal right across the US.
I can’t tell you the joy I felt, as a straight ally, as this news sunk in. The freedom this gave to so many. A right which had been denied for so long, finally made legal.
In some ways it’s tragic that we should celebrate this day with such enthusiasm – because this should never have been an issue up for discussion. Each of us should always have been free to make that covenant relationship of marriage with another. To commit to be faithful to someone before God for the rest of their lives.
But the reason this gave me so much hope, was simply because it proved again to me one simple thing.
Love wins.
Love always wins.
It sometimes takes patience. It sometimes takes sacrifice. It might meet resistance. It may have to battle it’s way through lots of boundaries.
But, in the end, love wins.
Not a romantic, daydream love. But deep, aching, love which hungers for justice. The type of love which involves sacrifice for freedom. The type of love which breaks down all boundaries.
And this gives me hope.
It reminds me that no matter how bad things are, no matter how much resistance we face, no matter how much the odds are weighed against us, that eventually, love can, and always does win.
Hatred, despair, suffering and death may come. But it doesn’t have the last word. It never has the last word.
There is always hope of a new day. A new beginning. A chink of light for love to make it’s way into.
And that’s all love needs.
More Than Romance
Divine love meets us where we are, as we are, for who we are. It breaks down all labels we stick out, it doesn’t wait for us to have all the answers, to have our lives perfect.
It meets us in our brokenness and brings life and healing.
Love is idealistic. It’s the ultimate ideal.
Love is what gave birth to all things and draws us all together. (you can tweet that)
Sadly, we can easily downgrade it to some romantic, emotional idea, when true love is so much more.
Love keeps on loving when there’s no emotional energy left. Love keeps on giving when there’s nothing left to give. And love always seeks peace, without aggression, violence, or persecution.
Because real love never resorts to violence.
History is littered with examples of how true, non-violent love has transformed the world. MLK. Mahatma Gandhi. And of course, Jesus. Although every group has it’s more aggressive campaigners, a large proportion of the LGBT community, and their allies like myself, have long campaigned peacefully for what is a basic human right. In fact, you could argue, a divinely given right.
A right which has always been theirs. Always been ours. Everyone’s. Whatever our sexuality. To commit and covenant, before God and the world, to sharing our lives with one person, loving and being faithful to them for life.
And two weeks ago, this patience was rewarded.
Because, as someone once said, love is patient, love is kind, love keeps no record of wrongs. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
And love never fails.
Love wins.
Well said, James. I have never understood the objections to same-sex marriage. If marriage is a good thing, then why should it not be available to everyone? And the argument that same-sex marriage somehow devalues any other marriage is ludicrous.
Completely agree Scott, thanks.
Marriage, as I see it, should be between two consenting adults. As a Christian, I have my reservations, BUT ALSO, as a Christian, I love my fellow man and see no reason to treat gays any differently. My church does not approve this ruling but I agree it was a wonderful thing. If you’re adamant against this ruling, line up your ducks and be adamantly against divorce and marriage annulment between a straight couple. What is good for one, is good for all. ps: This holds true for Obamacare – don’t force it on us IF you’re going to eliminate yourself from the plan… but that’s another battle. SCOTUS did a good thing.
Great comment Bob – thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience, really grateful.
Marriage for all is a step forward in equality for LGBT+ persons and I’m so glad my country has finally taken that step. It’s still disheartening to see others complain, though. All we’ve been asking for on this front is a chance to be with the ones we love without persecution. 🙂
Absolutely Monica, we all deserve that right, and it’s great that finally this has been given to the LGBT community.
Very well stated, James. Even in despair, there is always love and hope. Sometimes it’s hard to see it, but it’s always there. Thanks for sharing this beautiful post.
Thanks Monica, I really appreciate your support and encouragement. Thanks.
Here here! It baffled me that people were so anti LGBT and their right to marry the one they love! Why be against something that IN NO WAY effects you. I rejoiced when I heard the news since I am also a straight ally for equality. Love really does always win 🙂
Absolutely Heather!
I’m sorry but I don’t agree. I believe in love, but I feel the sacrament of marriage should be between a man and a woman. Civil ceremonies should be available for other situations to protect legal rights.
That’s fair enough Diane, we’re all entitled to our opinions – thanks for sharing, good to get a different perspective.
It’s fine for ministers to choose which weddings to officiate and for church denominations to choose which marriages to recognize.
But it’s disingenuous to act as though the government’s recognition of marriage is at all the equivalent of the conservative Christian view on marriage. After all, atheists, Jews, Muslims, Pagans, and others have all been allowed to enter into the “sacrament” of marriage in the eyes of the law–as long as they were heterosexual. So have adulterers and divorcées.
Denying same-sex couples the same legal rights and protections of marriage is discriminatory and unconstitutional. SCOTUS made the right decision.
Thanks for your comment Brita – and I agree SCOTUS made the right decision.
Great post-James. I am very happy that we are all able to marry for love. That is the way it has alway been and should always stay that way.
Spot on Renee, thanks! 🙂
I agree. Love ALWAYS wins. 🙂 Great post James!!!
Thanks Lisa Jey – glad you agree!
Thanks for celebrating with us, James 🙂 God bless you!
You’re welcome Liz – you too, thanks. 🙂
As another straight person who supports the gay community, I too am glad the US decision proves once again that “love wins.” The community has a great deal of prejudice and hatred to overcome, but also much love and support. Thank you for this post. PS My country, Canada, legalized gay marriage several years ago.
You’re welcome Kenna, thanks for the comment – this really does prove love wins. Here in the UK we legalised gay marriage a few years back too. Good times.
What is it they say? Love will conquer all? In this case it’s TRUE!
Great post James!!! 🙂