Thursday, May 19, 2022

Love in Action is NOT Abortion

 

Folks, abortion is a heinous act. The vast majority of abortions are not done to protect the life of the woman. [1]One study showed that the health of the mother was the reason for abortion in 12% of the cases. The two most common reasons given for having an abortion were “The baby would change my life,” (74%), and “I can’t afford to have a baby now” (73%).[2] As we will see below, abortion is not something foreign to the Christian community. Indeed, over half of those getting an abortion identify as “Christian.” I pray if you are a Christian considering abortion the Lord gets ahold of your heart and changes your mind. Abortion should be the very last option for a Christian. While an argument can be made for abortion as an option when the mother’s health is in question, abortion should never be an option for reasons of convenience. You may take offense at such a statement, but I encourage you to seek the Lord in such admittedly difficult situations. I pray this article is instrumental in helping you or a loved one or friend to reconsider the abortion option.  

 

No Christian should ever vote for someone or support someone involved in the abortion business. And that is what it is, for the most part, it’s a business. Do your research. If you’re one of those “woke” people who respond, “Abortion isn’t the only issue you know,” when it comes to voting or supporting organizations or a political party affiliation, well, that’s true. There are “other issues.” But abortion is the only issue that tears a human being literally limb from limb or poisons a child to death and horrifically takes a life every time an abortion is done. Abortion is the only issue that traffics in human body parts and organs at the expense of another human being too weak to resist the violence of it.

 

Those who claim to be “woke,” especially those who claim to be “woke-Christians,” who are accepting of abortion on demand for whatever reason, need to watch a video of an abortion. You’ll never be the same. Watch an abortion and you’ll never think superficially again that abortion is anything but a life and death issue. If watching an abortion is too much for you, just visit your local clinic or hospital and watch a sonogram of the living human being in a womb. Abortion truly is a contemporary holocaust, and the only worse tragedy is the casualness of “Christians” to relegate it to anything less than the most important issue of our times.

 

Now that the SCOTUS is possibly going to, not even end abortion on demand, but make it a state’s rights issue, where is our Christian voice to support this limiting of abortion? We need to be praying and standing up for the little ones that Jesus loves. And yes, we need to practically support women who are financially needy to help them mother their children. We need to promote ADOPTION NOT ABORTION. We need to minister to them and extend a helping hand from the family of God. We need to stop preaching a greedy self-serving prosperity “gospel” or getting our church talking points from the trendy world. We need to love our neighbors, most importantly, those in the womb. There’s no excuse for silence let alone minimizing the severity, importance and priority of exposing the darkness of abortion in our world. This issue is truly the epitome of having nothing to do with unfruitful works of darkness but rather expose them (Ephesians 5:11). Where are you “Christian”? Why are you silent?

 

Abortion is a real hot button issue. Given the advances in sonogram technology it’s clear and undeniable that the womb contains a real living person, a baby. Those who believe the Bible to be God’s truth and revelation knew that already (e.g. Psalm 139:13-16). Honest true science is also on the side of those who speak against abortion-death and for birthing these children to life. Unfortunately, supporting abortion is not only a matter of seeing and believing, but also a very emotionally charged issue. The world and too many “Christians,” focus entirely on the life of the woman to the abject neglect of the human life in the womb. In so doing, they disregard science as well as the truth of the Bible.

 

I encourage you to look at a sonogram of a child in the womb to see the clear scientific evidence of the reality of human life in the womb. Anyone who has been pregnant or been around someone who is pregnant knows that the child in the womb responds to our voices, touch, what is eaten by the pregnant woman, and other external stimuli. Recent statistics on abortion indicate:

 

  • Based on more recent data, about 1 in 4 women (24%) will have an abortion by age 45.
  • Additionally, nearly half of all U.S. abortion patients are in their twenties.
  • Adolescents make up around 12% of abortion patients.
  • About 6 out of every 10 women who have an abortion (59%) already have one or more children.
  • 51% of abortion patients were using contraception during the month they became pregnant.
  • It’s estimated that about half of the patients who receive an abortion pay for it out of pocket.
  • Over half of abortion patients (54%) identify as Christian (30% Protestant, 24% Catholic).[3]

That over half of abortion patients identify as “Christian” is a telling indication of the state of the church in our day. We are warned that “in the last days perilous times will come.” These times will be marked by people who love themselves over everything else, and as a result become, “unloving, . . . without self-control, . . . lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, . . .” They will have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:1-5). We are living in perilous times, especially for the yet to be born. That is because much of the “Christian” church has only a” form of godliness” that in reality denies the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16).

 

As far as Biblical evidence relating to abortion is concerned, the secular and superficially spiritual world should guard against dismissing its truth on this issue. Even if you don’t believe or appreciate the Bible, it has been around for millennia, and a vast proportion of the world still values its contents. Many still see it as “God’s word.” Having said that, what does the Bible say about life and abortion?

 

Jesus warned, "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10). The phrase “little ones” (Greek mikra) means small, little, short. It is a word to describe those short in height (Luke 19:3), young in age (Matthew 18:6, 10, 14), of little influence (Matthew 10:42; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2), small in size (Matthew 13:32; James 3:5), small in number (Luke 12:32),  little in influence (Revelation 3:8), and short length of time (Hebrew 10:37). In the context of Jesus use of the word it is used endearingly of the children around Him. The word “despise” (Greek kataphronesete) means to possibly despise, think against, to look down upon, to disrespect someone who deserves respect. Putting it all together, Jesus is warning against being disrespectful or not appreciating the value of children even though they are small and have little influence. Jesus taught the sanctity of human life. The littlest child is the newly conceived child. We should respect and appreciate them even in their preciously vulnerable delicate weak small state of life.

 

In the Old Testament we see destinies determined for those in the womb. Jacob and Esau struggled within Rebekah while in the womb (Genesis 25:22-23). Jacob was named the “Heel-catcher” because he grasped his brother’s foot upon his delivery (Genesis 25:24-26). Those who injured a pregnant woman so that she miscarried were subject to penalty (Exodus 21:22-23). We are told that it is God who makes human beings in the womb (Job 31:15). This is an allusion to the sacred recreative process God has designed for humanity. God oversees children from conception onward (Psalm 22:9-10; Isaiah 44:2, 24). One of the clearest descriptions of the value of life in the womb is found in psalm 139 where it states:

 

Psalm 139:13–16 (NKJV)

13   For You formed my inward parts;

You covered me in my mother’s womb.

14   I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well.

15   My frame was not hidden from You,

When I was made in secret,

And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16   Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they all were written,

The days fashioned for me,

When as yet there were none of them.

 

A human being, once conceived, is conceived as part of God’s will. That is true even when conception takes place in an immoral context. Understanding why God allows conception is some instances may escape us. But if we believe God is in control, always, it would be wise to consider our circumstances and seek out His will and plan even when those circumstances are difficult. God is able to take what was meant for evil and use it for good (e.g. Genesis 50:20). God is able to cause “all things” to “work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). This is true even in the seemingly darkest of situations. With this in mind, in respect to abortion, consider the call of God, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

 

Children are “a heritage from the LORD” (Psalm 127:3). “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father” (Proverbs 17:6). What a tragedy it is that so many fathers abandon their children. What a tragedy it is that so many “fathers to be” are not even considered in deciding the destiny of children in the womb. Abortion is a heartbreak all the time for all involved. Even those who see abortion as relief will one day look with regret over what might have been. Abortion leaves lasting scars in many ways.

 

From the start human beings are distinguished from animals, evolution not withstanding (Genesis 1:20-27). Human beings are distinguished from animals because of their “spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Animals are composed of physical bodies and a degree of working mind. Human beings have not only bodies and minds that are far more complex than animals, but they also have the capacity for a spirit that can relate to God. That “spirit” comes to life when we are born spiritually.  

 

When we look at the Biblical account of history we see that God called many “from the womb” to serve Him. We see this in the case of Isaac (Genesis 21), Jacob (Genesis 25), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5), John the Baptist (Luke 1:15), Paul (Galatians 1:15), and of course, Jesus Himself (Isaiah 49:1, 5; Psalm 22:9-10). The Bible also tells us that the wicked “are estranged from the womb” (Psalm 58:3). All of this is evidence of life beginning at conception and that God is working in the lives of those in the womb.

 

From the beginning the taking of another’s life, murder, has been prohibited by God. Cain was judged by God for his murder of his brother Abel (Genesis 4). After the Flood God made a clear statement against shedding innocent blood (Genesis 9:5-7). God said, “Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning.” God instituted capital punishment as a just deterrent for taking innocent human life. The heart begins pumping blood 21-24 days after conception. Who could be more innocent than a child in the womb? To take such an innocent life does not go unseen by our Creator.

 

For the church or Christians or anyone to speak out against abortion while offering no practical help to the pregnant mothers in question is at best Laodicean lukewarmness and at worst a misrepresentation of Christian love. To speak against abortion and not provide a viable alternative is a hollow gong. Love, true Christlike love, not only speaks truth in love (Eph. 4:15) but takes action to sustain and support truth in life. The apostle John wrote: “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:16-18). It’s interesting that John uses the endearing reference to “My little children.” Perhaps the recipients of John’s letter were childlike spiritually, immature in their faith and talking a good talk of love but not walking a walk of love. The church needs to listen up in this regard.

 

The spiritually mature know that love is an action. Love acts. God’s brand of love is sacrificial; it lays down its life for others. It not only speaks out against or about injustices, it does something to alleviate them. As John points out, it’s about the condition of your heart. If you shut your heart to those in need around you, “how does the love of God abide” in you? A shut heart is a loveless heart. And that is a big problem. Why? Because the prime sign of a person genuinely saved and born of the Spirit is love.

 

A person must be born of the Spirit. Jesus said that just as we are born physically, we must be born spiritually (John 3). Spiritual life comes from God’s regenerative work in us. When a person acknowledges their sin, turns from it to God and by faith asks God to forgive their sins based on the atoning cross work of Christ, that person will be forgiven by God. And once forgiven the Holy Spirit indwells the believer giving them spiritual life (Rom. 8:9-11; 1 Cor. 3:16). I want to encourage those of you who have had an abortion. GOD WILL FORGIVE EVEN ABORTION. We shouldn’t use such truth to abuse God’s grace to have an abortion for whatever reason (cf. Romans 6:1ff.). Instead we should understand the depth of the grace of God who will forgive abortion. You can be freed from your guilt relating to abortion. As one who was involved with an abortion in my early years, there is forgiveness, there is relief from guilt, there is grace, amazing grace (see Romans 8:1).

 

How do we know if we are born of the Spirit? We know by the witness of the Spirit in our hearts (1 John 3:24). There is a tangible change in our lives (2 Cor. 5:17). The person born of the Spirit is a new creation with a new way of life (Rom. 6:4). And the evidence of that new life is God’s love. God pours His love into the heart of the person who has been born again (Rom. 5:5). God’s love is a sacrificial active love (e.g. Rom. 5:8).

 

Love is an action. All that we do needs to be done in the love of God if it is to be worth anything (1 Cor. 13:1-7). That done without love will fail. That which is done in love “never fails” (1 Cor. 13:8). If we are to experience victory in this battle against abortion, both individually, nationally, and even globally, we will have to take loving action. That may mean enlarging our families to by way of adoption. It could mean supporting those who are financially challenged to help them with their family. Another opportunity to act in love could be volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center. I would encourage you to consider such a ministry in your local community. On Long Island where I write from I would encourage you to support Soundview Pregnancy Services (www.soundviewpregnancy.com).  

 

Soundview Pregnancy Services provides a viable Spirit led link between truth spoken in love and that love in practical action. This ministry provides counseling on sexual health, abortion education, pregnancy, abortion recovery, parenting skills and referrals. They provide free pregnancy tests, diapers and other supplies and services to those who are pregnant and in need. And all of this is provided from a Christ-centered world view. This is a ministry Christians should get behind and support. Pastors can preach about the evils and tragedy of abortion from the pulpit, but unless they are encouraging a real alternatives with real help, it is an impotent message. We need to speak the truth about abortion in love and provide a loving Christlike alternative to those who are pregnant. If you would like to learn more about Soundview Pregnancy Services, volunteer, offer financial support, or just learn more about this ministry visit their website at www.soundviewpregnancy.com .  

 

Pray about this. Pray about adoption. Pray about getting involved. Pray about having that baby. Pray about helping someone in a crisis pregnancy situation. Pray for Soundview Pregnancy Services. What would the Lord have you do in order to not only speak about love but act in love? I think God’s answer to that prayer just may be found in Soundview Pregnancy Services or some other similar ministry. Christian where are you? Christian, what will you say? What will you do? How will you express your love of Jesus? I pray you find the answers to those questions. In the end, love is an action not abortion. God bless, lead, and provide for you all.

 

in His service, by His grace, for His glory,

 

Pastor Claude

 

Pastor Claude T. Stauffer

Calvary Chapel of Hope

803 County Line Road

North Amityville, N.Y.

Web.: www.calvarychapelofhope.org

Blog: www.shepherdofhope.org

 

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. - Romans 5:5

 

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. - 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

 



[1] I say “woman” because if you’re aborting your baby you’re anything but a mother and I say “woman” because the reality is men can’t naturally birth children.

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