A few years ago, I was approached by a couple considering an abortion. They wanted a pastor’s opinion, so I gave them one. I told them that God values life—so much so that he sent his one and only Son to be crucified for the sins of the world. The young couple seemed conflicted. “But, it’s legal!” replied the young man.
About a year later, the governor of my state vetoed a bill requiring doctors to ask women seeking an abortion if they would first like to see an ultrasound. I watched on social media as several friends rejoiced over the veto—with one friend writing, “I’ve never been so proud to live in this state!”
These comments came from intelligent people, but intelligent people who have been deceived. The Scriptures tell us that it is God who knits a child together (Psalm 139:13), and even that the infant John the Baptist leapt for joy in his mother’s womb when he first heard the voice of Mary—the mother of his Lord (Luke 1:44).
As the Church, we are created to stand against evil. We are created to speak truth… and forgiveness. The truth is that abortion ends the life of a human being, and we should be unwavering in our opposition to it. But that is not the end of the story. We have been given the gift of Christ, and the power of Christ can wash our sins away.
Perhaps that is the message you need to hear today—it is the message that all sinners need. Whatever your sin, no matter how big or how small, the blood of Jesus is enough.
May your soul leap for joy—for your Savior has come.
Rev. Troy Tysdal is Director of Communications and Prayer for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren and serves as editor in chief of Faith & Fellowship magazine.