Abortion

Abortion

Problem

From a counselor=s reference point, there may be two problems:

A.   The counselee who wants to have an abortion.

B.   The guilt feelings of a counselee who has had an abortion.

Biblical Statement

The Bible states, AThou shalt not kill.@  Since the Bible also states, children are God=s heritage and are His reward (Psa. 127.3).  It is wrong to take the life of an unborn child.  That is God=s prerogative

Scripture

Deut. 5:17   AThou shalt not kill.

Psa. 127.3   ALo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward.

Psa. 113.9   AHe maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children.  Praise ye the Lord.@

Counsel

The counselee may be experiencing shame because of an illegitimate pregnancy or have no desire to have the added burden this child would mean.  The counselee may have already had the abortion and now has guilt about it.

(A)     If illegitimate or baby is not wanted for another reason: The story of King David=s adultery with Bathsheba might be related.  The sin of adultery was compounded by the sin of murder.  This is the case for one who is illicitly pregnant and desires and abortion.  Point out, God is in charge and there are no helpless situations with Him.  Have the baby.  God will redeem the situation.  Use Joseph=s classic remark to his brothers, (Gen. 45:7), AAnd God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on the earth.@  Joseph=s brothers meant to kill him but God preserved him and used the sequence of events to preserve and entire people.

(B)     If abortion is over: minister God=s forgiveness, upon repentance, and point out that St. Paul consented to the murder of Stephen, and yet after his conversion became the Apostle to the Gentiles.  Remember that not only was Paul a murderer, but so was Moses and King David yet God forgave them and they became the greatest of God=s men ever known. Expect guilt to be present.  Minister to that.

Minister salvation and Baptism as needed.

Encourage the counselee to talk to her minister, or refer her to a pastor, and refer her to an unwed mother=s group if available and needed.  But do not give medical advice.  That is for a doctor to do.

Prayer

Pray for God=s grace and courage to face all that must be faced.  Praise and thank God that we are not dealt with according to our transgressions.  Thank Him for accepting and forgiving the person and for grace to forgive herself, as such need is indicated in your discernment.

References

Read the story of Joseph in Genesis and of King David in 2 Samuel 11 and 12.

Psa. 127.3                        For pre-abortion counselee

Psa 139:13-16                 God knows a person from conception

Prov.31                            Ideal woman and mother

Matt. 6:33                        Seek God first

3 John 2                           You will prosper as your soul does spiritually

Rom. 8:31                        Whom God is for, who can ge against.?

Phil. 3:13-14; 4:13           Forget the past

Isa. 40:31                         Promised strength to carry on

Deut. 12:23                      Life is denied when blood is spilled.