*The following essay was written and submitted by high school senior, Ellie Thomas, as part of our 2024 Pursuit Essay Contest*
In a world where the sanctity of life is increasingly questioned, churches hold an immense responsibility to guide mothers toward choosing life. Addressing the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of expecting mothers is not just an act of charity; it is a profound expression of faith. By creating supportive environments, offering essential resources, and reinforcing the inherent value of life as depicted in the Bible, churches can play a pivotal role in this life-affirming mission. Through comprehensive support and spiritual guidance, churches can profoundly influence mothers to embrace the choice of life for their unborn children.
Every human life is inherently valuable and deserves protection from the moment of conception. The Christian belief on abortion is grounded in the moral principle of the sanctity of life, which holds that life is sacred and inviolable. Psalm 139:13-14 beautifully states, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Crossway, 799). Likewise, Matthew writes, “So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish” (Crossway, 1271). This scriptural foundation underscores the intrinsic value of each life, offering a profound perspective for mothers grappling with the weight of their decisions. The moral imperative to protect life transcends individual choice, asserting that the rights of the unborn must be weighed alongside the rights of the mother. The proclamation that every life is a sacred gift from God is central to the church’s mission. Coupled with biblical teaching, practical support is indispensable.
The moral imperative to protect life transcends individual choice, asserting that the rights of the unborn must be weighed alongside the rights of the mother.
Ellie Thomas, 1st Place Pursuit Essay Contest ’24
The base opposition to abortion is derived from scripture and theological doctrines that emphasize the most vulnerable–the unborn. As seen in Francine Rivers’s book, The Atonement Child, the protagonist Dynah courageously declares her faith and her decision to carry her pregnancy to term despite the traumatic circumstances of its conception. She affirms, “I choose to believe God’s Word. I choose to believe in his presence and His promises. I choose to have this child. I choose to believe that God is the Father of the fatherless” (Rivers, 261). This poignant moment in the narrative highlights Dynah’s resilience and reliance on her faith to guide her through a difficult decision. Her choice starkly contrasts the pressures exerted by those around her, illustrating the internal conflict and societal challenges women today face in similar situations.
Focus on the Family emphasizes the importance of providing tangible assistance, such as access to medical care, counseling, and material support. They assert, “Churches should be well-equipped to refer pregnant women to crisis pregnancy centers where they can receive medical care, parenting classes, and material support like diapers and baby clothes” (“What Does the Bible Say About Abortion”). By integrating these resources, churches not only address immediate needs but also reinforce the long-term well-being of both mother and child. Blending spiritual reinforcement with practical aid, this dual approach forms a compelling argument for choosing life.
Churches have a profound opportunity to influence the decision-making process of mothers facing unplanned pregnancies. By rooting their advocacy in scripture and providing comprehensive, compassionate support, churches can embody the same kind of love and grace Jesus showed. To love one’s neighbor as oneself includes the unborn and their mothers. As believers, the call to action is unmistakable—to stand firmly in defense of life and to offer a haven of hope and support for those in need. Through this commitment, churches can ensure that the choice for life is not just a possibility but a confident, supported reality for every mother. As a global church, are we as Christians those who cherish all life like Jesus?
Written by Ellie Thomas, 2024 Pursuit Essay Contest 1st Place Winner. Today, Ellie is a freshman at Cedarville University.
Works Cited:
Crossway. The ESV Journaling Study Bible. Crossway, 2016.
Ford, Jess. “What Does the Bible Say About Abortion?” Focus on the Family,
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/pro-life/what-does-the-bible-say-about-abortion/. Accessed 4 October 2024.
Rivers, Francine. The atonement child. Tyndale House Publishers, 1997.
