A woman who faces the reality of her abortion is in need of someone else whom God has named. That person is you. It is me. We are her friends. Comforters. Encouragers. We are imitators of the Good Shepherd who walks beside the heavy-hearted through a dark valley toward “goodness and mercy.” A mother who mourns the loss of her child needs a Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18).
You and I must take care not to soften the seriousness of sin. This devalues the magnitude of God’s forgiveness, bought and paid for by the sacrificial life and death of Jesus Christ. At the center of our forgiveness stands the Cross of Christ. Forgiveness is costly. Our forgiveness cost the innocent Son of God His life. There is no forgiveness without blood being shed, without paying a price, without the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. But, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, sin cannot defeat us.
Peter, a follower of Jesus, sinned greatly, but he confessed his sin and received God’s forgiveness. Through Jesus’ forgiveness the Holy Spirit enabled Peter to live a changed life. That same power of the Holy Spirit works through the Gospel to change our lives — to enable us to live lives that reflect God’s love for us and withstand the temptation of Satan, the world, and our sinful flesh.
You and I can love and accept people burdened by their sin, but only God, in Christ, can heal them. A woman who’s suffered an abortion may believe that God has forgiven her, but has difficulty forgiving herself. Jesus is the key that opens the door and sets all sinners free. What was the process for David in Psalm 51? David was sorry for his sin, confessed that sin, turned from that sin, received God’s forgiveness, and was restored from sin. Then he rejoiced over God’s healing touch of forgiveness and was eager to witness to others of God’s great forgiveness. You and I can assure those who grieve that the memory of their aborted child will remain with them, but,
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Word of Hope is a ministry of hope and healing after abortion. I have volunteered with this ministry for many years. We know that God has called each child by name. We grieve their loss, but entrust them to God. We also know that He has called every mother, father, grandparent, and care-giving friend by name. May we encourage all in a manner that honors the One who named us.
If you would like to talk with Grace Kern at Word of Hope,
please call (888) 217-8679 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (888) 217-8679 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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