“You made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13 (NLT)
This Sunday, churches across the country will observe National Sanctity of Human Life Day. Together as a body, we will have the opportunity to come before the throne of God on behalf of those affected by abortions (including the unborn). It is a sobering reminder that there are many in our community who, when facing hardships created by an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, feel they can find no other alternative.
Just as each abortion represents a life created in God’s image, so does that of the mothers and fathers who made the choice to abort. My heart breaks for each of these people. I do not know their life’s circumstances. I may never understand the struggles they wrestled with that brought them to that decision. What I do know is that each person, each Image Bearer of the Most High King, is deeply loved by their Heavenly Father. This Sunday, as we remember the unborn, let’s also remember those in our community who are in pain and in need. Those who are battling addiction. Those who are living in poverty. Those who are in abusive relationships. Those who are desperate enough to end a pregnancy.
Each of us has our own store of resources, like money or time. Let’s look for ways to spend those resources on those in need in our community. We can be confident that as we care for the needy, we are serving our Lord.
“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing. When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” Matt. 25: 47-40 (NLT)
To those reading this who have chosen abortion, please know you are welcomed, accepted, and valued. We love you and do not judge. We are here for you. Thank you for being a part of our New Day community, fellow Image Bearers.