Love Wins

What is so different and surprising about our godless, self-centered country making laws that promote our godless, self-centered desires? How is anyone surprised, caught off guard or really even upset? We've been slaughtering thousands of babies legally for 40 years. We've legally allowed thousands of marriages to end for reasons other than adultery for hundreds of years. We've legally published pornography for dozens of years. We've encouraged lust, envy, greed, gluttony, idolatry and every sin known to man through TV and other media for 60 years. Nothing has changed. Nothing is different. We are a nation of sinners, run by sinners, representing sinners. And because our flesh is weak, sin reigns. 

Some of us sinners have been given the grace to find freedom from the bondage of this sinful world in Christ. If we truly see this freedom as a gift of grace and an act of mercy, why would we stand in judgment over those who've not yet received that grace? Why would we think for one second that sin would not rule in the hearts of those who do not know grace? It's not surprising. It's not shocking. It's what we should expect. It's what we should be prepared for. Not by picketing, or petitioning, or complaining. But by sharing the truth.

The truth that each human on this earth is loved more than they could ever imagine and THAT love can free them from the bondage of this world, from the deceptive, glittery life that always leaves something to be desired. That something is intimacy with a holy and perfect God. And there is some One who gave that up so that you could have it. His name is Jesus and He wants to know you and He wants you to know Him. We "Christians" don't always do the best job of representing Him. He desires what's best for you. He desires joy and love and peace in your life. He doesn't care if your black or white, gay or straight, fat or skinny. He made you. He has plans for you. And if you surrender your life to Him, He'll show you. And someday it will all make sense. Because He is good and He is God.

You see I can point my finger at the group of sinners rejoicing in their new legal freedom. But there's four more fingers pointing back at me. I'm no different. I'm a sinner. Every.single.day. The only difference between me and them is I know my sin has been forgiven. I know my debt has been paid. I don't need to justify myself with a law or the backing of a government. I've been justified by the blood of Jesus. And so I don't point and I don't judge. I love. Or at least I try to remember how I've been loved in order to love others. 

1 John 4:12 says"No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." In other words: no one will see God without love. How do we love the unlovely? 1 John 4:29 tells us, "We love because he first loved us." And 1 John 3:18 reminds us, "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

So let's not just talk about loving our neighbor. Let's walk it out. Don't be afraid. "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." 1 John 4:18 ESV

Remember God is love. God is good. We're all looking for a little something good. If you've found it, share it. I believe we will make much more of an impact with love than with politics. Laws of the land do not dictate our hearts. God will change this country if He wills it. However it will likely not be through legislation but through the Gospel being shared and embraced, one heart at a time. God is good. God is love. And yes, #lovewins