By SAFL Director of Development, Ben Roodhouse
Verse: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” – John 15: 18.
Reflection: It is easy to become discouraged when you stand for the Truth the world would rather not hear. Abortion is a reality in society, and many of our fellow citizens have become comfortable with its presence. They would rather not face the ongoing horror because it’s easier to ignore.
We face hatred and rejection in many places when we choose to take part in the pro-life movement. We face the disdain of those who are engaged in the active promotion of the abortion industry. This is painful because we are made to be loved; but we can usually find the courage to stand firm in the face of those strident voices, typically, so full of hurt and anger.
But we often face another kind of rejection from a different source – the quiet disdain of the masses. So many of our family and friends offer no vocal opposition to us but rather, contempt and annoyance. By working to help women avoid abortion, we can’t help but bring to light the great tragedy occurring daily in our midst. Those who would rather ignore the issue resent being forced to confront it. This kind of hatred can be much harder for us to overcome because while we are made to be loved, we all love to be liked. We do not want to be labeled extremists or zealots, but for our work – typically, misunderstood – we are often scorned.
This can be discouraging, and yet we must not be deterred. Our Lord has never asked us to suffer something that He himself hasn’t already endured. Whether it be the screams of the crowds or the disdain of the elite, he has suffered all these things so that when we confront them we can unite our suffering to His. We must never allow our desires to be loved or liked stand in the way of the mission to which we’ve been called. After all, as our eyes gaze upon Christ on the cross – He who gave Himself to us completely in love – we say to ourselves and to the world, “I’m with Him.”
Call to Action: Resolve not to shy away from explaining the work we do this week. We all have people or places where we don’t bring up the abortion issue because we don’t want to make a scene or make an enemy. This week, make a special effort to share the Truth with someone new – peacefully and lovingly — but also, without fear.