Reimagining Pro-Life: 30 Days With Save the StorksVoorbeeld

HEART //

As we read about in Day 10, once we’re healed by the blood of Jesus . . . We join the family of God. In his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul twice calls the people gathered there “brothers and sisters.” Their church wasn’t made up of one family of believers though. It wasn’t one group of Smiths or Johnsons who all met up in grandma’s house. In fact, the people that gathered to read his letters were beautifully diverse — “brothers and sisters” in a much fuller, more long-lasting, and absolutely wondrous sense. 

Something far stronger than DNA binds us together: the blood of Christ! In Him, we become a spiritual family, an inseparable tribe. Today’s passage gives us a vivid picture of what that looks like for us. It looks like . . . encouraging pastors and elders who lead the church near and far; living peaceably among not only the believers who regularly sit next to us on Sundays, but also Christians who disagree with us (perhaps especially online, where all the world can see). It also means counseling those who lack motivation, direction, or joy; and gently warning those who stir up trouble in the church. And Paul ends by saying, “Always strive to do what is good for each other.” 

Can you imagine what our spiritual family, what our tribe of believers, would look like to the watching world if we always worked to do good to each other? One thing is certain: people facing unplanned pregnancies would be much more likely to look at the church and say, “I am safe here.” Or, “I want to be a part of what’s going on in there. If they love each other like that, I bet they can love me and my unborn child that much, too. . .” 

Those who are abortion-minded or post-abortive may already be a part of the family of God, or may yet need to be invited. No matter where they are, the question is, are we loving them well? Are our hearts, attitudes, and actions toward them one of genuine inclusiveness to our Tribe? If so, true healing can begin and the precious life of a child can be saved!

Paul’s words in today’s verse remind us that things will not be perfect in the Family of God. Implicit in his words of counsel, we remember that there will be those who are disheartened, weak, or requiring patience! We will do wrong! Sometimes we will fail! But just like in any healthy family, failure is not the end of anything. It’s an opportunity to grow and love well.

So let us remember not to be surprised that weakness and discouragement find their way into the hearts of people facing unplanned pregnancies. In our hearts, our words and our actions, we are called, to do good. We encourage all vulnerable, afraid and disheartened people to draw near to the inseparable family of God. 

// WORK

Today we want you to show the watching world what it looks like to be a part of the Body of Christ. Not online, but in your real life. Choose one of the things Paul talks about in 1 Thessalonians 5:12–15 and put it into practice. Are you in disagreement with a fellow believer? Send them a text that exudes peace. When was the last time you encouraged pastors or leaders in the church? Send a few of them notes of encouragement and pray for them. Practice supernatural patience today in your home, with difficult family members or co-workers. Do you know someone who is disheartened? Ask that person to meet up for coffee, text him or her a Psalm that speaks of God’s sustaining grace. Bow your knees before God on his or her behalf, but make sure to listen for how you can be the hands and feet of Jesus in their life today.