Robert W. Odom Ph. D.
I have been dealing with the subject of trauma over the last several weeks. Today, I will continue to do that but from a different perspective. This past week the Supreme Court made a landmark decision by overturning the Roe vs. Wade decision. For some, this decision has rocked their world. For others, this has been a moment of ecstatic celebration. I am pro-life and stand against all injustice, but I have concerns about the reactions to the decision. I am worried about the unintended consequences that often come from such choices.
As I write this, I cannot help but think of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11). The spiritual leaders wanted to stone her and were authorized to do so according to their laws. But Jesus came to establish a new way of living. It was the way of grace, love, justice, and forgiveness. It is noteworthy that when Jesus arrived on the scene, He came alongside the woman, not the spiritual leaders. There is no denial of her sin by Jesus. There is, however, a judgment of the spiritual leaders who took the wrong view of justice and the law.
In this discussion, Jesus did something unique and so out of context. He heard them speak against the woman. They were very vocal in acknowledging her sin. After listening to their concerns, He knelt and wrote in the sand. I believe He began to list their sins that were also punishable by stoning. He did not make a big deal about it, but He made His point without a word. As He arose, He made a remarkable statement. If there is no sin in your life, be the first to throw your stones at her. Slowly one by one, they all left the area as they stood guilty of sin themselves.
When they left, He spoke to the woman. “Where are your accusers? I do not condemn you, go and sin no more.” He did not guilt her. He did not condemn her. He did not judge her. He released her. But He also commanded her not to sin anymore. He counseled her to find a different path in her life. He, in essence, was urging her to take another course. We do not know what led her to this moment in time, but the laws were against women in that culture. If she was single or widowed, she had little support. The culture would have rejected her.
My point in sharing this story is that while we might be pro-life, are we pro-woman. How do we support the women who find themselves pregnant? As a church or pro-life community, are we providing the necessary funds to help women find jobs, healthcare, and support during and after pregnancy? Or do we ostracize these women as the spiritual leaders of Jesus’ day did? Do these women have to fend for themselves? Do we condemn and judge those who find themselves pregnant?
I ask this. While legislators are making laws to abolish abortion, are they increasing support for adoptions, care for the mom, and other critical support for these women? In my opinion, we cannot have one without the other. Yes, I support the unborn, but I also support the women who find themselves pregnant. They do not need to be stoned but need a community of passionate followers of Christ who will help, love, and care for them.
I have also heard the argument that helping these women frees them to go and do the same thing again. That may or may not be accurate, but that is not a reason to not support them. We must reach them and support their decisions in keeping their child or giving the child to an adoptive family. I question where we would be if we did not have people who helped us along the way. No matter how successful we might be, we have had people in our life that helped us and opened doors for us.
When discussing forgiveness, Jesus was asked about this crucial aspect of the Christian life (Matthew 18:21-22). How many times do we forgive? Peter, the first to answer, gave the acceptable religious answer. He stated that we should forgive seven times. That was the legal, religious standard of the day. Jesus, who came to turn the culture and religious community upside down, stated, no, we must forgive seven times seventy. This meant an infinite number of times.
Once again, we must interpret scripture in the context of scripture. After making this statement, Jesus shares a story about a rich man with extensive debt (Matthew 18:23-35). In some ways, He exaggerates the terms to get the disciple’s attention.
A king wished to settle outstanding loans and debts owed to him. One who owed him a considerable amount of money pleaded for mercy. The king had compassion and forgave the loan. Rather than living in the forgiveness he had experienced, the servant found one who owed him money. The total amount he was owed was far less than what he owed the king. But rather than forgive, he took the man by the neck and threw him into jail. The king heard of the insensitivity of the servant and demanded that he pay his debt.
Jesus began this discussion by saying that we must forgive as the heavenly father has forgiven us. Let’s return to our discussion on helping those who find themselves pregnant. We must be reminded how much we have been forgiven. The problem with Christians is that we often forget what God has done for us. He has forgiven all our sins. But too often, what we have received, we struggle to give.
We expect people to live to a standard that, at one time, we struggled to live ourselves. We want forgiveness without giving forgiveness. We hold people to a higher standard than we hold ourselves. It is also a condition of our heart where we tend to categorize our sins into lists of acceptable and unacceptable sins. We judge a pregnant single mom but allow gossip and pride to reign. We judge one living a lifestyle we disagree with, but we are filled with lust and treat others with disrespect. In God’s eyes, there are no good or bad transgressions; a transgression is a transgression.
We are all on a journey, and perhaps a part of that journey is for us to enter a discussion with those we might disagree with. Maybe we should talk with (not to) those experiencing an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy. Perhaps we would be better off listening to them. This is not a time to lecture them or throw scripture at them. We might learn much about them if we would listen. Perhaps together, we can find a path to help each other. We can help them provide for their care and their child’s care. They can help us understand their needs and goals in life.
Perhaps a part of our journey is to enter the world of those who support abortion to have a dialogue. I am not talking about the fury evident in some circles now (on both sides of the issue). Jesus did that. Paul did that. They engaged people where they were. They met people at the town center (the well), the city gate, the worship centers of the pagans, and so much more.
When we consider this, how many on the pro-life side have sat with anyone on the pro-abortion side and vice versa? How many have listened to one another to understand their position and why they believe what they believe? I am not saying we should compromise our position, but we must be open to one another’s opinions and ideas.
By following Christ’s example, we can make a difference. We can minister grace and love to those most vulnerable and who most need our love. Yes, we might be pro-life, but we must consider the mother’s life and how we can help them through these dark moments in their lives. Be Christ to someone today.
© Copyright 2022 Robert W. Odom, Ph. D.
Life on the edge 