That is why I say unto you, are your many sins forgiven? (Luke 7. 47)
I recently felt the need to read one of my favorite Francine Rivers books, “Atonement Child?[The Child of Atonement]. It is a fictional work that tells the dramatic story of a young Christian who discovers that she is pregnant after being horribly raped, recounts her struggle against pressure to end her pregnancy, throughout history it is revealed that her mother and grandmother, for very different reasons, have had abortions, what we have are three women over the generations dealing with the issue of abortion and the tragic effects in their lives and their Christian faith. I have read this book many times because it reminds me of my life before Christ and his wonderful mercy.
- One thing that really impresses me is the way Rivers focuses on the trauma these women are going through.
- They were devastated by the decision they made.
- He paints a painting very familiar to women traumatized by life and tormented by the remorse of their choices.
- There are women in our congregations who have had abortions and may be terrified of talking about them because of shame.
- Guilt and fear of recriminations.
- We can find a lot of data on the number of women who have abortions in the UK and the United States.
- But this is not true for women in our churches.
- I suspect the number is higher than we think or want to admit.
We know that Scotland has the second highest percentage of adolescent abortions in the world (Cuba has the highest). Statistics begin to show a worrying trend towards abortion in the diet. A 2012 study showed that in Scotland the abortion rate is clearly linked to a high level of poverty, where, in fact, the rate may be twice as high as in other regions. Once again, tragically, nearly a third of women who have an abortion in Scotland claim to have had another abortion before.
For women who want to work on Scottish diets, this is a very delicate and difficult subject, many of the women we work with have had or are thinking of having an abortion, do I think, absolutely, that from the moment of conception, the baby Is a child, has life, has been intertwined in the womb of his mother by the Lord?I’m a strong supporter of life. However, even when we disagree with their choice, these women need care and grace to cope with the trauma, guilt, fear and pain that many face.
The lie of the world is that abortion is the painless interruption of tissues, however, there is nothing painless about this procedure, under any circumstances, in fact, there is ample evidence to suggest that there is a clear correlation between abortion and negative effects. about women’s mental health. There is no ease related to death. For many, corrode their own souls, how can we help these women who live and worship among us as God’s people?
Where to start with those who have had or are considering an abortion?
For women who do not speak, I believe that we should speak, with compassion and without fear, the biblical truth and the hope of the gospel of Jesus for their lives There are many reasons why a woman sees abortion as the only option: fear, abuse , money. and even contraception. You can expect us to instantly condemn her, calling her a murderer and fondling her with well-chosen Bible verses. In fact, there may be a time when she feels the weight of God’s word. But the biblical truth expressed wisely and hopefully kindness will assure us that we have more than 20 seconds of conversation. We must constantly seek to bring the Gospel to the center of our counseling in the face of such a painful subject.
I rarely talk about it for many reasons. Mainly because she was one of those women who lived in fear, terrified that people (Christians) would discover the truth, unfortunately there have been unpleasant comments, cruel comments and unnecessary and non-biblical nonsense that have been poured out on me, even now, when I share my testimony, I find ways to put it without actually saying the words. However, despite the gravity of my sin, I understood christ’s immense mercy and love and am very grateful for Romans 8. 1: “Now, then, is there no longer condemnation for those in Jesus Christ?”
How can we help Christians who suffer as a church?
1. We must recognize that this may be a problem for some of our women, there are many women who do not live in the liberating grace that has been given to us and who hear the lie that their sins have not been blotted out or can never be forgiven. We must help understand the good news that God’s forgiveness exists, even for this sin.
2. A good responsibility will provide you, over time, with a safe person, someone you really trust to make the leap and tell the truth. When this moment occurs, remember to kindly counsel with compassion and grace. However, clearly establish the biblical truth. Proverbs 27. 6: “The wounds of the one he loves are loyal, but the kisses of the one who hate deceives. “
3. Remind women of the gospel and the wonderful grace that has been given to them, the freedom that is in Christ. We all lack the glory of God and, fortunately, by Christ, we can be restored. Remind them that this is a process that will take time. There are no easy answers or shortcuts; Difficult truths must be confronted, but growth and liberation can and will occur in Jesus.
4. We need to help women cry for their children (I know it may seem strange, because they have made an active decision, but believe me, there are many women who mourn these secret babies in terrible silence). the healing process.
I am not saying that we should, at any time, set aside our pro-life convictions, tolerate sin, or suppress biblical truth; However, I suggest that we should consider all the lives that abortion can affect. women (I have a slight inclination for that). However, for all the thousands of women facing the issue of abortion, there are also thousands of men. I hear all the time that it’s “women’s right to choose,” but what about the father?You may not even know until you do. There’s no other option for him, how do you repent?How can you forgive and manage your pain?It’s such a complicated question. That’s why this is not the last word, but only the beginning of the journey with our wounded sheep.
That is why the only hope is ultimately the hope of the gospel
?? Did the Lord anoint me to bring good news? He sent me to care for those who are heartbroken to proclaim freedom to the captives and the deliverance of darkness to the prisoners to proclaim the year of the Lord’s goodness and the day of our God’s vengeance; to comfort everyone who is sad?(Isaiah 61:1-2).
May the Lord help us help his people especially in this area.