Christians know that we should not abort a child and obey it. But it is possible to have an "unexpected pregnancy" among Christian couples. What should they do, especially those who are financially underprivileged?
Pastor Zhang Jiale from a church of Changsha shares his insights on this topic in an article.
First of all, he stresses that Christians should not perform abortions according to the Bible. A fetus is also called as a "baby" in the Scriptures: " When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 1:41) "As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. " (Luke 1:44) In these verses, it shows that a fetus, not inferior to a child or an adult, has the quality of a human being while still in the womb of the mother.
In the Old Testament, the life of a fetus or embryo was legally protected as adults and had the same rights. Zhang explains, Exodus 21: 22- 25 mentioned that if people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman then she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must compensate the woman. But if there is a serious injury, he is to take life for a life.
So he concludes that Christians should not induce an abortion or even kill the innocent for any reason, including those suffering from financial struggle, because abortion is forbidden by the Bible unless the pregnancy will endanger a mother's life.
Second, the unwanted pregnancy should be not considered unplanned in God's eyes -- the fetus is not at fault, but made and favored by God.
He suggests that the couples should adjust their minds and be convinced that God does nothing wrong. Be grateful and welcome the coming of the new life rather than regard it as a burden.
In a final note, he claims that worries due to financial difficulty reflect little faith. Instead, think of the word of the Lord, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink... But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.(Matthew 6:25-34)"
Besides, the financial trouble is a relative concept. Even though you are unable to provide good material conditions, it doesn't mean that you cannot bring them happiness. For children, the best gift from parents is their love and acceptance, coupled with godliness and faith before the Lord.
Translated by Karen Luo
