What if I told you depending on your size right now, I will not consider you a part of my community? Oh, if you had any physical problems, you will not be allowed to be around me? Let’s not stop there. I’ll think about whether you are wanted before you can join us for a meal.
I bet that I would be receiving complaints and have a label plastered on my forehead that shouts “Discriminating!” But that is exactly what some have been doing recently here in New Zealand.
Debates on the proposed amendments for abortion up to birth in New Zealand has been happening. How sad is it that we even need to debate about murdering a baby because he or she has Down Syndrome? How outrageous it is that if a child is born alive from the result of an abortion, no care would be given. The craziness goes on and on. What is evil is now being made into what is okay and normal. Nevertheless, it is far from being right and holy.
The difference
In March last year, New Zealand faced the horror of watching mass shootings occur in Christchurch. The terrorist attacks killed 51 people and injured 49. The reaction from Kiwis was a tsunami of compassion and love. Age didn’t matter. The colour of one’s skin was not a question. Your birth place were only words on a piece of paper. Humanity was at its best in opening their hearts to their neighbour.
“They are us.”
The infamous words spoken by Prime Minister Jacinda Arden following the shootings made headlines all over the world. Words of comfort that warmed the hearts of everyone. It felt good to be assured you belonged - whether you were born here or a migrant. It created a great sense of camaraderie among Kiwis.
Ironically, one year later, New Zealand is in a similar situation. Decisions are being made about mass killings of unborn babies. Yet, suddenly some people (all that have been given a chance to live!) have chosen to classify a group of humans as not one of us.
You are not one of us even when we can hear your heart beating in your mother’s womb.
You are not one of us even when we can see you move and play during ultrasounds.
You are not one of us even if you are born alive and bravely take your first breath after a failed abortion.
No apologies to the so called clump of cells that do not feel any pain. You are simply not one us.
Don’t give up this fight
It almost seems useless to fight a system that time and time again has proven that what is ungodly is what people want. By human standards, the prolife groups seems to be in a losing battle with laws being passed all over the world in favour of abortion.
But we know this is spiritual warfare. Ephesians chapter 6, verse 12 reminds us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” We continue this fight for the life of unborn babies knowing that God, the Creator of life, is on our side.
No one can stop us from sharing our testimonies of redemption. Acts chapter 18, verse 9 tells us that “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.”” Similarly, I believe God is calling His followers today to be courageous.
Share your stories if you have gone through abortions. Let the women considering abortions know of the pain and shame that follows, not to condemn but to ensure that they don’t have to face that same consequences. If you have survived an abortion, don’t shy away from telling others your wonderful testimony to open blind eyes. Shout out the truth, and let the truth set people free (John chapter 8, verse 32).
Rise up
Here’s an encouragement in the midst of this gloominess – God is still in control. He is still Lord of Lords. He is still King of Kings. Nothing escapes His watchful eyes.
Armour yourself with the Word of God. Soak yourself in prayer. Rise up and defend one of us.