EDITORIAL
By Dale Fenwick
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Luke 12: 6-7
What is the Sanctity of Human Life Sunday?
On Jan. 22, 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated the third Sunday of January as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. Churches around the United States still use this day to raise awareness in their congregations about core life issues, such as abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, embryonic stem cell research, infanticide, and more. The day is an opportunity to reflect on what the Bible says about the sanctity of human life and what must be done to minister to the vulnerable in our society.
Why Today?
The third Sunday of January falls in close proximity to the anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision on Jan. 22, 1973, that legalized abortion in all 50 states, in all nine months of pregnancy, and for virtually any reason (or no reason at all).
What does the Bible say about Abortion?
The Bible does not contain the word “abortion,” but the message is clear throughout: Human life is precious in the sight of God.
Once God established the dignity of human beings the powers of sin and death began to seek to destroy innocent human life. Don’t forget Herod’s infanticide in the city of Bethlehem. Over the years human life has been attacked in different ways, leading to the systematic destruction of life through abortion in modern times.
We can trust that God desires for us to protect the innocent, since we know that God “hates hands that shed innocent blood” (Proverbs 6:16-17). Also, He established strict prohibitions on the unjust taking of life (Numbers 35:30, Deuteronomy 13:6-9, Genesis 9:6).
He also gave us Jesus so that we can be forgiven.
"Truly children are a gift from the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward." - Psalm 127:3
"God… from my mother’s womb had set me apart and called me through his grace." - Galatians 1:15
"You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit." - Job 10:12
"The word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." - Jeremiah 1:4-5
Lord God,
You created every human in Your Image. You formed us in our mother’s womb.
You sent your son Jesus to save us. You opened the way to eternal life.
You love us more than we will ever know. You even count the hairs on our head.
Give us the grace to love you more faithfully and serve you more selflessly.
Inspire us with your courage and compassion to be a voice for those who have none.
Forgive us for not valuing human life as You do. Help us to share the truth with compassion.
Amen.
Resources:
Dale Fenwick is the Publisher of The Apopka Voice
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