No Pride #3 - Love Is Not Affirmation

Part of the cultural catechesis of the Pride movement is a redefinition of love. In today's world, love has become synonymous with affirmation. In that worldview, you cannot say you truly love someone unless you affirm them in all their choices and desires. It's considered unloving to say that someone is wrong, that their beliefs are misguided, or that their lifestyle leads not to fulfillment but to futility. And at the apex of perceived unloveliness is this: to tell someone their way of life is not pleasing to God.

It's embracing this concept of love that we saw the appearance of the so-called "affirming churches" that not only welcome people but also celebrate and affirm their "identities" and choices, regardless of whether they align with God's Word. And all in the name of love. But what kind of love causes people to despise God and His Word—the very source of love itself?

True Christians should not be surprised, or even offended, when the world accuses us of being unloving. If they define love as affirmation, then by their standards, we are guilty as charged. But we're not operating by that definition. We must hold fast to God's definition of love, not Pride's.

God's love is inseparable from truth. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13, love rejoices with the truth. Love that lies to you is not love; it's cruelty wrapped in sentimentality.

God's love is also transformational. The cross—God's ultimate expression of love—was not a cosmic gesture of affirmation. Jesus didn't die to celebrate us. He died to save us, to sanctify us, to change us. That's the love we're called to imitate: a love that confronts, redeems, and restores.

So, no, the world doesn't need more affirmation. It doesn't need people cheering them on as they walk comfortably toward death. It needs the loving intervention of people who care enough to say, "This isn't the way. Turn back. Come to Christ." Our children, our spouses, our churches, and our neighbours need that kind of love, the kind that dares to correct, confront, and call people home.

Love is not affirmation. Love is Jesus hanging on a cross, not celebrating sinners, but pleading with them: Turn. Trust Me. Be saved.

Nino Marques