As many have already broadcasted, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has made two landmark decisions regarding marriage. In one of those decisions, SCOTUS chose not to rule on the matter of Proposition 8 (Prop 8), which essentially means that same-sex marriage in the state of California will be recognized as legitimate. In the other decision, SCOTUS struck down an aspect of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which means that federal benefits will no longer be withheld from same-sex couples married in the states that recognize same-sex marriage as legal.

If you are looking for more details about these decisions, I suggest that you take a look at this article by Ryan T. Anderson:

http://blog.heritage.org/2013/06/26/supreme-courts-mixed-decision-on-marriage/

As for a Christian response to these decisions, three Southern Baptist leaders have already issued statements that are particularly helpful You can find those at the following links:

Ed Stetzer

http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2013/june/prop-8-doma-and-christian-response.html

Russell Moore

How Should Same-Sex Marriage Change the Church’s Witness?

Trevin Wax

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2013/06/26/why-gay-marriage-is-good-and-bad-for-the-church/

Admittedly, there is very little that I can add to the wisdom of these men, so I simply want to conclude this post by providing a few Biblical bullet points that detail a Biblical perspective for how  Christians should respond to these decisions:

    • Ephesians 6:12 – “For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.”
    • Acts 5:29 – “But Peter and the apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than men.'”
    • 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – “For though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way, since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ.”
    • Matthew 22:37-39 – “He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
    • Matthew 5:44 – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”
    • 1 Corinthians 10:12 – “So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.
    • Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
    • 2 Timothy 2:24-26 – “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.”
    • Luke 6:22 – “But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you,”
    • 1 Peter 4:12 – “Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you.”
    • 1 John 3:13 – “Do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you.”
    • John 16:33 – “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
    • Revelation 21:5 – “Then the One seated on the throne said, “Look! I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.”

Christian, do not lose heart! Be humble! Be encouraged! Be evangelistic! Love your God! Love your neighbor! Love your enemy! Let “Convictional Kindness” abound! Hope in Christ and Seek His Kingdom First!

CBH