Kind and Compassionate

***Editor’s Note: Today’s story discusses abortion.***

“Please help me.†My best friend Emma looks panicked. My heartbeat races as I catch a glimpse of her tearstained face. “I’m having an abortion tomorrow. I need your support.â€

Shock and anger boil inside me. “No!” I think. “This is against everything I believe in—a life is being destroyed. How could she! Can I get her to change her mind? What do I do?” But then, something stirs inside my heart that extinguishes the anger. My friend is desperate. I look up to see her cringing away from me, and I can imagine what my face must have looked like. I take a deep breath. “God, help.” I pray silently. I’m reminded of how Jesus showed God’s unconditional love to everybody He encountered, and to us. And I begin to feel His compassion for Emma.

“Oh Emma, I’m so sorry.†I try to choose my words carefully. “You’re my closest friend. I can see you’re overwhelmed. Could we maybe talk about this? How about over hot chocolate?â€

Later, with our warm cups in our hands, I ask her how she’s feeling. A million thoughts are buzzing in my head, but I try my best to listen, really listen. Then I ask how far along she is and if we can look up pictures together to see what her baby looks like at this point in the pregnancy. She says yes, and I marvel at the small, intricate people. The thought of Emma’s appointment tomorrow makes me shiver.

“You don’t have to do this. I could drive you to get an ultrasound instead,†I say quietly. “I know of a great pregnancy center we can go to. And my church and I can help you with anything else you need. You’re not alone. You have time to decide.â€

Emma just shakes her head, and I can see her eyes are becoming wet. I reach over and hold her hand. She squeezes mine tight, but she just keeps shaking her head. Now I’m crying too.

We just sit there together for several minutes. Then I tell her how precious her little baby is. I say God made her baby on purpose, and even though the circumstances aren’t ideal, He is with her and His help is always available to her. I remind her of the power of the cross—that because Jesus died and rose again, He has forgiven all her sins (past and future), and He lives in her through the Holy Spirit, empowering her to follow Jesus, to not have an abortion. I tell her she can bring her pain to Him because He knows all her hurts and fears, and He loves her so deeply. He wants the best for her and her baby, and so do I. We talk for a long time. Finally, I ask Emma if I can pray with her.

That night, I text Emma the phone number for a pregnancy hotline. I add that I love her and I’m praying for her. She doesn’t respond. I pray and pray and pray. I can’t sleep.

As soon as the sun’s up, I go to Emma’s place, but she’s not there. “Oh God, no.” I text her again, and wait, and pray. When she finally comes back, she doesn’t meet my eyes. Her arms are wrapped around her middle. “It’s gone†is all she can say.

I feel like I’m going to vomit. “Oh God, help,” I pray silently. Then I step forward, and hug her. I hold her as she starts to cry, to sob. And my tears mingle with hers. After several minutes, she pulls away and wipes her eyes with her sleeve. I pull out a tissue. “Do you want to tell me about it?â€

She can only get a few syllables out before shaking her head.

“Not yet.†Her voice is quieter than I’ve ever heard it.

“Can—can I pray for you? Please?â€

Emma nods, and I begin to ask God for His help. For Him to show Emma how much He loves her. For Him to show her the forgiveness He offers. I thank Him for His mercies that are new every morning. I ask for His healing, both in her body and her heart. I ask Him to help us as we walk through this pain, together. • Cindy Lee

• Today’s devotion is a fictional story, but it reflects the experiences of many people. If you or someone you know is considering or has experienced abortion, you can talk to someone confidentially at OptionLine (chat: optionline.org, call: 1-800-712-4357, or text: “HELPLINE†to 313131). They can also help if someone has started a medical abortion and changes their mind; the process could be reversed through a process called abortion pill reversal (abortionpillreversal.com).

• Have you or someone close to you experienced abortion (either been part of the decision or been affected by it)? Have you told anyone? If you find out a friend has experienced abortion, how can you show God’s love (Ephesians 4:2) and tell them about His forgiveness through Jesus?

• Some people have been pressured, tricked, or even forced into having an abortion. Oftentimes, even people who do choose abortion don’t really realize what they’re doing. Do you know what abortion is or how they are performed? Who is a trusted Christian you can talk to about this?

• If you’d like to see what humans look like in the womb, search for the app “See Baby.â€

• If you or someone close to you were to become pregnant in a complicated situation, think and pray about how you would respond. Ask God for wisdom and a soft heart.

The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is compassionate. Psalm 116:5 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Ephesians 4:1-32