Reflecting on the Planned Parenthood Protest: A Christian Call to Action

Reflecting on the Planned Parenthood Protest

This year, I had the privilege of attending one of the Planned Parenthood protests in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was a gathering of thousands of people who said "no" to the killing of children and "no" to the use of tax dollars to fund such actions. It was an opportunity for Christians to stand up for justice and the protection of innocent lives. As I reflect on the morning, I have seven points to share.

1. A Christian and Ecumenical Gathering

The protest was a Christian gathering, and it was beautiful to see the name of Jesus being uplifted and praised. The leaders of the protest explicitly mentioned the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and we sang songs of praise to God and to Jesus, our Victor. It was a reminder that as Christians, we have a great salvation that calls us to stand up for justice and to protect the vulnerable in our society. It was also a reminder that Christians from all denominations can come together in unity for a common cause.

The Bible calls us to defend the cause of the weak and the fatherless (Psalm 82:3), to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8), and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). As Christians, we have a responsibility to protect the lives of the unborn and to advocate for justice in our society.

2. The Importance of Prayer

Prayer was a vital part of the protest. We prayed for the end of abortion, for the protection of unborn children, for the conversion of hearts, and for the healing of those who have been affected by abortion. Prayer is powerful, and it is through prayer that we can seek God's guidance and ask for His intervention in our world.

The Bible teaches us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), to pray for one another (James 5:16), and to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). As we pray for an end to abortion and for the protection of life, we are aligning our hearts with God's will and asking Him to intervene in our world.

3. The Reality of the Abortion Industry

The protest was a reminder of the reality of the abortion industry. Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion provider in the United States, and they perform over 330,000 abortions each year. Abortion is marketed as a "choice" and a "right," but it is the taking of an innocent life.

As Christians, we believe that life begins at conception and that every human life is valuable and created in the image of God. The Bible says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart" (Jeremiah 1:5). We must speak out against the abortion industry and advocate for the protection of innocent lives.

4. The Power of Community

The protest was a powerful reminder of the importance of community. Thousands of people came together to stand up for justice and to protect the lives of the unborn. It was a demonstration of the power of community and the impact that we can have when we come together for a common cause.

The Bible teaches us that we are called to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2), to encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and to spur one another on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). As we come together as a community to advocate for the protection of life, we are fulfilling God's call to love and care for one another.

5. The Need for Compassion

The protest was a reminder of the need for compassion. Abortion affects not only the unborn child but also the mother and the father. Many women who have had abortions suffer from emotional and psychological trauma, and many men who have been involved in abortions struggle with guilt and regret.

As Christians, we are called to show compassion to those who are hurting (Colossians 3:12), to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2), and to comfort those who are in any trouble (2 Corinthians 1:4). We must show compassion to those who have been affected by abortion and offer them the love and support that they need to heal.

6. The Call to Action

The protest was a call to action. As Christians, we cannot be silent on the issue of abortion. We must speak out against the taking of innocent life and advocate for justice in our society. We must support organizations that provide alternatives to abortion, such as crisis pregnancy centers, and we must support policies that protect the lives of the unborn.

The Bible says, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy" (Proverbs 31:8-9). We must be a voice for the voiceless and stand up for justice in our society.

7. The Hope of the Gospel

The protest was a reminder of the hope that we have in the gospel. As Christians, we believe that every life is valuable and created in the image of God. We believe that Jesus came to offer forgiveness and healing to all who repent and believe in Him.

The Bible says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). We have hope in the gospel, and it is through the gospel that we can find healing and forgiveness for our sins.

Conclusion

The Planned Parenthood protest was a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for justice and protecting the lives of the unborn. As Christians, we have a responsibility to speak out against the taking of innocent life and to advocate for policies that protect the most vulnerable in our society.

As we continue to pray for an end to abortion and advocate for the protection of life, let us remember the hope that we have in the gospel. Let us show compassion to those who have been affected by abortion and offer them the love and support that they need to heal. And let us continue to come together as a community to advocate for justice and protect the lives of the unborn.