by Jeff Reedy, Shipping Coordinator & DFW LIFE Runners Co-Leader, Sidewalk Advocates for Life
Verse(s): “In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner repenting than over ninety-nine upright people who have no need of repentance.” — Luke 15:7
Reflection: This is an important verse and concept for us to remember as we go about our daily lives, but especially as we engage in the spiritual and conceptual warfare that is the pro-life movement today. It is easy to vilify abortion doctors, clinicians, and politicians that support the pro-abortion agenda. It is easy to find ourselves hating, not just what they teach, but those people themselves. It is so important for us to remember the verse above, which reminds us how precious it is to our Lord when people repent and come back to Him.
Certainly we keep this in mind when it comes to ideas like Project Rachel, which gives hope to women who have had an abortion and then find themselves regretting it. But we should also keep in mind how our Lord’s admonition to love our enemies comes into this, as well. When we consider such stories as Former Planned Parenthood Director, Abby Johnson, we see that someone who was so recently our “enemy” has now become our friend, we see God’s great generosity and His love toward people who are currently misled in their beliefs and actions.
Faith Challenge: Let us remember to pray for an end to abortion every day. But let’s not forget to pray for the conversion of the souls of those who are currently performing abortions, helping with abortions, or pushing for legislation that enables abortions. While their agendas are certainly our enemy, the people themselves are children of God, lost and wandering without the shepherd they need so desperately.
Let us rejoice when they come home. And let us continue to pray that they one day do just that.