The Compassion Issue of our Time

As Christians, our convictions are shaped by Scripture, not culture. From beginning to end, God’s Word affirms the sacred value of every human life, created in His image and known by Him. To stand for life is not a political statement—it is a biblical one.

In a time when life is often minimized or redefined, the Church is called to respond with both courage and compassion, reflecting the heart of Christ for the vulnerable and the voiceless. The following article is written by LifeFirst’s Founder and Executive Director, Teresa Strack, to encourage believers to stand for life faithfully, truthfully, and with grace.

— Dr. Jason J. Nelson

The Compassion Issue of our Time

The disrespect for human life manifested by abortion and euthanasia is the compassion issue of our time. No other issue has as much direct loss of innocent, very real human lives. No other issue inflicts such deep and lasting harm on women, men, families, and communities. At its core, this crisis is not only a human tragedy; it is a profound spiritual issue. It is an unmistakable disrespect toward God Himself as the Author and Giver of Life and the guilt from abortion decisions often creates a mental barrier to salvation for individuals.

Unique Urgency

The disrespect for human life carries a unique urgency. There are many wonderful and needed ways Christians can demonstrate God’s love to hurting people and, in most cases, if we are unable to help today, we will have an opportunity to rescue tomorrow. However, with every decision for abortion or euthanasia, there is no second chance. Once a life is lost, it is lost forever. This irreversible finality compels us to act—not someday, but today.

Christians’ Unique Call to Action

Christians are first called and best equipped to be at the forefront of restoring a respect for life both as a matter of our Christian walk and as part of our testimony. As Christians, we draw people to Christ by introducing people to the Lord and loving them into the Kingdom. In the fight to end abortion, we do both. The Bible consistently commands God’s people to protect those who are the most vulnerable. 

James 1:27 tells us, “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”  

Who is more orphaned than the unborn, who have been rejected by mother, father, and society unto the brutal death of abortion? Although most of the young women facing unplanned pregnancies are not technically widows, often they have been abandoned by their boyfriends, families, or society itself to deal with the pregnancy alone. 

Proverbs 24:11 commands us plainly: “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.” 

Years ago, I saw this scripture come to life before me. I was praying and ministering to young women outside an abortion facility. A car pulled into the parking space near us and a young man got out and went around to the passenger side of the car. As he came back around, he was directing a young woman toward the door of Planned Parenthood. Her eyes were completely glazed over, and she was staggering to such an extent that the young man had one arm around her waist and another around her shoulder. She was staggering toward emotional/spiritual slaughter and the presumed baby inside her was being led to his or her death. The young man told us, “We love abortion.” The young woman sadly was too out of it to respond to us.

Proverbs 6:17 tells us that God hates the shedding of innocent blood.  We must hate it also. 

Our Testimony of Who God Is

Abortion is not only an assault on unborn children and their parents—it is also a repudiation of God’s essential identity as Creator, Father, and Giver of Life. When we speak out for the value of each life God has created in His image, we are not merely engaging in a social issue. We are glorifying God and proclaiming who He is. In addition, we often have the opportunity, if we take it, to further point people to Jesus and the offer of eternal life through Him. When our voices are muted, our witness is diminished. The proclamation of the value of life is therefore central to our testimony and our walk with Christ.

Uniquely Equipped

Abortion and euthanasia are among the most emotionally charged issues of our day. Precisely because of that, Christians are uniquely equipped to be at the forefront of restoring a respect for life. As believers, we have the love of God poured into our hearts without measure if we will yield to it. If emotions rise, we can respond with love, respect and peace. We also have the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to guide us through tender, difficult conversations. He knows what information or story or words can touch the heart and mind of whomever we are speaking to. Respectful, Holy Spirit guided conversations will win hearts and minds, creating an attitude shift back toward a respect for life. 

For all the women and men scarred by abortion decisions, we also carry the message of forgiveness, healing, and restoration that only Christ can bring. After decades of legalized abortion, the pain and loss touch nearly every family and friend group in some way. Where there is great suffering, there is also great opportunity—the opportunity to be the hands of God’s love and restoration. When we speak the truth in love, rather than remain silent, our love and message effects change. 

A Grassroots Vision of Hope

LifeFirst’s approach to building a respect for life is relational and transformational. We speak the message of life directly to our community. In addition, a major part of what we do is provide easy tools to equip everyday people to be effective communicators. 

The only way to restore a respect for Life is through individual heart and mind change which will lead to an attitude shift in our society. This happens one conversation at a time – just like sharing the Good News of salvation. Although we are a social media generation, it is still our family and friends that influence us the most. When we speak the truth in love, rather than remain silent, we effect change. 

Here are just a few resources that can help you respond to God’s call. 

Pro-life Answers 101:  https://lifefirst.org/pro-life-answers-101/  Launched in response to the many people who tell us " I don't know what to say.” Bookmark Pro-life Answers 101 on your phone for 24/7 access to brief, respectful, evidence-based responses to a wide range of abortion talking points. This is a unique tool which fills a great need. 

When Does Life Begin website and social media campaign:  https://lifefirst.org/when-does-life-begin/

Sit in the comfort of your own home and change hearts and minds simply by sharing engaging content. A study out of the University of Chicago found that addressing the question of when life begins from a scientific perspective is the best way to move someone from an uncertain or even "pro-choice" position over to a pro-life stance. In addition to the content hosted on a dedicated website at youranswermatters.org we also post great shareable content on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Follow, share, and build a respect for life!

Sanctity of Life email prayer: https://lifefirst.org/sanctity-of-life-prayer/

Simply sign up to receive once-a-week prayer points email covering timely pro-life issues. Prayer is the real work of Christians. What an easy yet vital way to change hearts and minds!

Student Contests: https://lifefirst.org/student-contests/

Based on Ronald Reagan's insight: "All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” The contests are conversation starters between parents/teachers/pastors and students. 5 contests ranging in age from 3^rd grade through college. Generous cash prizes of $1000. 

Article Shorts: https://lifefirst.org/when-does-life-begin-articles/

Brief 2-3 minute reads focused on vital pro-life issues. Easy to digest. Great to educate and share. 

Why Christians Must Lead 

For decades, efforts to end abortion have focused primarily on top-down change—laws, courts, and political outcomes. While these matter, history shows that lasting societal change only comes from the grassroots up, as hearts and minds are transformed. Cultural shifts always precede legal ones. Laws followed culture. 

In the fight to protect life, we have a rare and sacred opportunity: to glorify God, to rescue the vulnerable, and to offer healing where there has been profound destruction. Imagine what could happen if Christians fully embraced this calling. If each of us did even a little, a tidal wave of God’s love and truth would transform our communities. Jesus calls His followers to be salt and light in the world. That means leading—not retreating—on the most difficult issues of our time. We can end legalized abortion and euthanasia. This is our call. This is our moment. And this is the compassion issue of our time.

Teresa Strack

Founder & Executive Director of LifeFirst

Lifefirst.org