Throughout the ups and downs that is Jelena, many people believe that it is a toxic relationship and that the character of Justin that was shown heavily through the years they dated makes him undeserving of Selena. I believe though, that they belong together. I believe in first loves, and I believe in redemption. The breaking point and the pivot of the public turning away from Justin were when the boy they once loved was arrested for public urination and he showed obvious disrespect and disregard for the situation.

During this time, there were rumors that he had been cheating on Selena. Selena as well was going through a public breakup and was taken to rehab due to emotional exhaustion and distress. Later on, it was revealed that these issues were in part due to her stressful heartbreak, but she had recently been diagnosed with Lupus. All of this put together, for the both of them, at the young age of 19 and 20 would have made anyone crumble.

The world was a little less bright through the months of both of these amazing artists being on hiatus, and taking a break from the spotlight and music. But, they needed to work on themselves. Justin came out with his redemption album called “Purpose” about two years later, and the world thought he was going to be OK. The album, speaking about apologies, and a newly revived faith in God, was emotional and raw and different than anything Justin had shown the world before. The world tour, the press, the pressure of his revolutionary comeback though took a toll on the young star as a few months later he broke again. Refused to take pictures, canceled shows, went in hiding. For a second it seemed as though this “new real” Justin was a show.

Selena, after a public declaration of her illness, and the release of a new tell-all single explaining the torture she went through in young-love, became the icon of revival. The AMAs became her stage for showing the world her grace, her strength, and her love of the Lord. We saw this girl rise up after a horrible heartbreak stronger than ever, and her partner still seemingly drowning. She began dating other people, going on tour, and becoming a beautiful respected young woman in the eyes of the public, but no one could let her past relationship go. Every interview would ask her, and she never avoided it saying how much she cared about him and how she always would.

Now, about two years later they have returned. Justin has released new music but has stayed out of the spotlight. He has been attending Hillsong church regularly and has a mentor who continues to push him towards being “the man of God, the husband, and the father” he wants to be one day. After the sudden breakup of Selena and her boyfriend of 10 months, the Weeknd, the world sees Jelena together for the first time in years. The news of this made my honestly crappy week happy and whole.

I truly believe that through all the struggles they have gone through it is obvious that they have used the Lord they believe in, and the love and guidance of trusted mentors to become the people they want to be.

They have been through so much, at such a young age, and with a worldwide audience.

They have been watching each other from afar, but always supporting, and I believe that is the definition of true love. The popular opinion is that Justin doesn’t deserve Selena, but I believe he has redeemed himself and for the past two years has been doing everything he can to build himself up to be the man she deserves. I believe in true love, I believe in redemption, and I believe in Jelena.