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Since Roe v. Wade in 1973, around 63 million legal abortions have been performed—equal to the population of the top 47 U.S. cities combined. In 2022, Roe was overturned, leaving legality to the states. Annual abortions have increased to about 1 million. The Church has often responded with either truth without love or compassion without conviction. But what about the heart and word of God?
The Messy Middle
Balance comes by embracing two opposing truths at once—Jesus embodied the fulness of grace and truth. Grace offends the religious heart; truth offends the rebellious heart. We must hold:
- Abortion is a sinful, immoral act.
- Abortion is the world's solution to a difficult situation.
Abortion is a sinful, immoral act.
- People are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). A fetus may be non-viable or unwanted, but it remains valuable.
- God knows us before we are born (Jeremiah 1:5). Purpose is assigned before birth; a fetus is not a "potential" human but a human with potential.
- The shedding of innocent blood is especially serious (Proverbs 6:16-17). Abortion sheds the blood of a developing human who has done no wrong.
Why immoral? Government laws apply to all, not just Christians. Logic for legislation:
- Some abortions are immoral.
- Government has the right to restrict immoral acts.
- Laws should prevent immoral abortions.
Common pro-abortion arguments reveal flaws when applied to other immoral acts (e.g., "If you don't like drunk driving, don't do it").
Abortion is the world's solution to a difficult situation.
The world does not think like the church (1 Corinthians 2:14). Most women seek abortion due to poverty or to preserve bodily autonomy—not from hatred for babies. These are wrong solutions to real problems. To change minds, the church must address the underlying needs.
How can the church help pregnant women in difficult situations?
- Declare the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Thoughtless truth is childish.
- Make better solutions available (Ephesians 3:10). Work to make abortion unnecessary and unimaginable. Support local ministries like 1st Option Care.
- Honor pregnancy and care for single mothers (1 Peter 4:8). End the culture of shame. Encourage men to take responsibility.
- Provide healing for women who have had abortions (Matthew 11:28). About 24% of women will have an abortion by age 45. Offer confidential, restorative groups like "Surrendering the Secret."
If you consider yourself pro-choice: Your compassion is commendable, but don't let mercy or distrust of government override Biblical morality. Love upholds truth.
If you consider yourself pro-life: Don't let zeal for truth push people from Jesus. Loveless Christians lose their audience. Be an advocate for all, reflecting God's kingdom.
Final Question: When it comes to abortion—and every other issue—are you willing to follow Jesus into the messy middle?
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