For the Love of Good Friday
- Guest Writer
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Friday, April 18, 2025
Good Friday
The Rev. Judy A. Alston, PhD (she/her)
Associate Pastor, Woodland Christian Church (Columbus, OH)
Queer Christian
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
For Queer Christians, Good Friday has great significance. Though often seen through the lens of sorrow, this day can also symbolize hope, resilience, and the transformative power of love. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, Paul writes, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” This message resonates deeply within Queer communities, offering a lens through which to understand both personal and communal faith journeys. Good Friday reminds us of Jesus’ embrace of the marginalized and oppressed. His ultimate sacrifice reflects a profound love that transcends societal boundaries and can empower Queer individuals, affirming that our experiences of love and identity are valid in the eyes of a compassionate God.
In the face of adversity, Queer people of faith can draw strength from the three-fold cord of faith, hope, and love
found here in the verse. Faith encourages us to trust in a loving God who affirms our existence, while hope inspires us to envision a future free from discrimination and prejudice. Most importantly, love serves as a guiding principle, urging us to foster inclusive communities that celebrate diversity.
While we lament the crucifixion of the Christ, remember that lament is a prayer in pain that leads to trust. Lament is a pathway to praise when life gets hard – when life is sad, and we are grieving. Ultimately, Good Friday can be a day of liberation for Queer individuals, inviting us to embrace our identities as integral to the tapestry of faith. It serves as a reminder that love—embodied in the sacrifice of Jesus—remains the greatest truth, affirming that all are worthy of belonging and grace. In this light, Good Friday becomes not only a day of mourning, but also a celebration of love’s enduring power.
Reflection
How have you experienced the love of God for you in your Queerness?
How can your lament on Good Friday now lead to praise and gratitude?
Action
Read more on lament, praise, and the power of love:
• https://www.markvroegop.com/blog/lament- leads-to-praise
• https://guideposts.org/angels-and- miracles/miracles/discover-the-power-of-love-in- good-friday
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