Nevada and Virginia Voted to Protect Abortion. What Does the Church Believe, and How Do We Help?

By Dr. Layne McDonald

The church believes every life is made by God and is precious from the very start, so abortion ends a life God made. We hold that truth with mercy, not shame. Jesus meets hurting people with grace, and the church offers real help, forgiveness, and healing.

What happened

In the November 3 elections, voters in Nevada and Virginia passed ballot measures that secure abortion rights in their states, according to Associated Press reports. That is the news, stated plain. Whatever you feel today, this is a good moment to ask what the church believes, and what the church is called to do next. Belief without love helps no one. Love without truth does not help either. We need both, held together, the way Jesus held them.

What does the Bible say?

The Bible teaches that life begins as God's own work. In Psalm 139:13-16, David says God knit him together in his mother's womb. He says his frame was not hidden from God, and that all his days were written in God's book before one of them came to be.

God told Jeremiah the same thing. In Jeremiah 1:5, God says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." That is why the church says life is precious from the very start. Every life is made by God, on purpose, and every life matters to Him.

The Bible also shows us the heart of Jesus toward people who carry sin and regret. In John 8:11, Jesus says to a woman caught in sin, "Neither do I condemn you." Truth, and mercy, in the same voice.

How does a Christian go about this?

We start with a plain and kind confession of what we believe. Every life is made by God and is precious from the very start, and abortion ends a life God made. We say that without anger and without apology.

Then we check our hearts. There is no room for shame or coldness in the church. Many women carry deep pain and regret over this very thing. Some men do too. Jesus meets people with mercy, not stones. So do we. If you carry regret today, hear this clearly. There is forgiveness and healing in Jesus for you. Nothing in your past is too heavy for His blood. You are not shut out. You are invited in.

Then we put our hands to work. Belief shows up in help that people can touch.

Put it into practice

• Stand with moms. Offer meals, rides, child care, and steady friendship, before and after a baby comes.

• Support pregnancy care. Give time or money to local care that helps women choose life and care for their children.

• Open the door to adoption and fostering. Learn what it takes, pray about it, and support families who say yes.

• Walk with families after a baby comes. Keep showing up with food, rest, prayer, and help in the hard first months.

• Speak with grace. Never shame a woman, never mock, and always leave the door open to mercy.

• Pray by name. Pray for moms, babies, doctors, lawmakers, and everyone carrying regret today.

Carry this with you

Friend, the church does not have to choose between loving the unborn child and loving the mother. God loves both, and so do we. Hold the truth with a soft heart. Offer help with open hands. And remember that the same Jesus who calls every life precious also washes sinners clean and makes them new. There is hope for every person in this story, including you.

Questions people ask

Does the church hate women who have had an abortion?

No. The church loves them, and so does God. We believe abortion ends a life God made, and we also believe Jesus offers full forgiveness and healing to anyone who comes to Him. Both are true at once.

What can I do if I carry regret about this?

Come to Jesus honestly, just as you are. Confess it to Him and receive His forgiveness. Then talk with a pastor or a trusted believer who will pray with you and walk with you. Healing grows in the light.

Need prayer right now? Text 1-901-213-7341 and someone will pray with you. Boundless is an online church family for people who cannot get to a building. You can belong here, and we will help you find a local Assemblies of God church near you. Visit boundlessonlinechurch.org.