I want to preface this by saying it is evident marriage equality is a civil issue, and not a biblical one. However, if we were dealing with civic minded people, this discrimination would not be happening. Since the Bible is the weapon used against me, it is the weapon I am also using in defense of me.
A dear friend sent me scripture. She anticipated it would jolt an awakening within me, one that would make me suddenly realize if I am unwilling to marry a man, then I would want to live my life in celibacy. After all, that is what God has called us to do. She was saving me from myself and the innate debauchery of, gasp, loving a woman.
She didn't realize in the midst of the scripture she sent was one sentence that Biblically supported my relationship. It was the same sentence that supports hers. It is there. Very plainly written. Short and to the point. New testament stuff, too. (Which, to this brand of religion is quite important because it involves the "new law". The old law only matters to people like my friend when it refers to homosexuality as an abomination, but has no relevance for its litany of other commands that she, and those like her, are not interested in adhering to).
1 Corinthians 7:9 ... but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
(More after the fold.)
Why is that verse important to me? Why do I feel like it is vindication? Because the Bible is the central tool used against marriage equality. The entire discussion within 1 Corinthians 7 explains why marriage is accepted at all. It does not describe a sacred covenant between God and man. It describes an alternative concession to the belief it is better for all people to live a celibate life. What heterosexual Bible wielders fail to recognize is without this concession (not a command), they would be mired in the same hurt, belittlement, and condemnation that they have become so comfortable placing on the backs of homosexuals.
But they aren't mired in this. They aren't mired in this because
1 Corinthians 7:9 ... but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
I wrote my friend back. I did not want to say too much. She is a sweet friend, mostly conscientious, and sometimes, slowly, open to changing her mind. I do not know if this will be a catalyst in evolution of thought. But it might be.
So, someday you and I will stand before God. Both of us will admit, and acknowledge sins of which we were aware, and sins we didn’t even recognize and hope for mercy. But when God asks, “Why did you not show the same mercy for others that I have shown to you?” remember, He loved you enough to allow you to marry because it was better than burning with passion.
Thank you for the scripture and the confirmation.