For pro-life activists who have long worked to defend the dignity and value of unborn life through policy reform, legislative wins, and grassroots advocacy, Issue One’s success comes as a blow. When cultural laws fail to honor the sanctity of life at all stages, it is natural to feel disappointed, even distraught.
However, as followers of Jesus Christ, we know that genuine cultural change stems not merely from legal wins at the ballot box but from transformed hearts and minds at the individual level. Lasting redemption occurs when people encounter the living hope of the Gospel, repent and believe, and become empowered by the Spirit to bring forth God’s Kingdom.
So, while we should absolutely continue contending for biblical values in the public square, we must remember that the power to save and change lives rests not in ourselves but in the Lord we serve. He remains sovereign over all earthly authorities. And His Kingdom endures forever, despite the waxing and waning of temporal political victories.
This sobering moment in our state presents a pivotal opportunity for reflection, re-centering, and reconsidering our advocacy approaches. When policies fail to protect the unborn, how should Christians respond?
Responding with Prayer, Not Outrage
Followers of Jesus are called to represent Him with grace and truth, even when disappointed by setbacks. As 1 Peter 3:15 reminds us, “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…”
Rather than venting outrage or scowling at opponents, we can respond to situations like Ohio’s Issue One by humbly bringing our concerns before God in prayer. We know He hears us when we ask according to His will (1 John 5:14). Our prayers make room for holy wisdom we do not possess ourselves.
The Lord also changes people’s hearts; we cannot do that alone. But through intercession, the Spirit can prompt others to question misguided beliefs and soften hardened perspectives. We are right to oppose injustice passionately, but righteous anger alone will not transform culture. Prayer is a powerful catalyst for redemption.
Advocating with Truth and Love
While we must not compromise biblical truth, our advocacy approach matters greatly. Speaking without grace often erects walls rather than building bridges of influence. As Ephesians 4:15 reminds us, “…speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
What does it look like to defend life both firmly and lovingly? We focus on principles more than politics. We make arguments rather than attacks. We listen intently, seeing opponents as people to understand, not enemies to conquer. We reject dehumanizing language, instead highlighting the sacred worth in all people despite their views.
And we remain humble, recognizing we, too, once walked in darkness. As Galatians 6:1 teaches, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” Our advocacy mirrors Jesus welcoming sinners and eating with the outcasts.
Supporting Families, Not Just Laws
Pro-life advocacy must pair protecting unborn children with providing compassionate resources for vulnerable parents. Upholding the sanctity of life extends beyond opposing abortion to helping sustain flourishing families.
Women often choose abortion out of desperation and lack of support. What if the Church led the way in surrounding struggling mothers with encouragement, mentorship, and material help? This could include volunteering with pregnancy resource centers, donating diapers or baby supplies, adopting foster children permanently or temporarily, and other gospel-centered solutions.
Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Let us re-imagine cultural engagement as Christians serving families in crisis, empowering them to choose life.
Investing in Redemption and Restoration
God specializes in bringing beauty from brokenness and hope from despair. As citizens of His Kingdom, we are called to invest in the lives of those wandering far from the truth. Rather than condemning the lost, we seek their redemption.
Imagine the impact if we walked compassionately with women regretting past abortions and showed them grace leading to healing. What if we built trust with abortion doctors and staff to provide avenues to walk away from what they are doing? God’s ambassadors intentionally cultivate relationships with those who need it the most.
Isaiah 61:1 beautifully articulates this mission: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
May we participate in this restorative work of welcoming those in need while believing in God for changed hearts and lives. His Gospel transforms even the most hardened individuals when embraced in humility and repentance.
Moving Forward in Hope
Of course, enacting laws that protect unborn life remains a worthy goal. Scripture teaches God ordains governing authorities for restraining evil and promoting justice (Romans 13:1-4). As citizens, we should exercise our rights to advocate for leaders and policies upholding human dignity.
At times, we will experience setbacks that test our hope. But Christ reminds us to “take heart” because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). His Kingdom endures forever despite the fickle winds of politics and culture. God promises to complete the good work He began in us (Philippians 1:6) and cause all things to work together for good according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).
So, we anchor our hope to heavenly realities that far outlast earthly wins and losses. Our worth and identity rest in Jesus alone, not cultural “victories.” We can trust God amid trying times, knowing He ultimately holds the future. His plans will stand firm.
Applying a Biblical Ethic of Life
Ohio’s Issue One serves as a sobering call for prayerful self-reflection as pro-life advocates ponder: Does our character and conduct align with our convictions? Do we balance grace and truth, honoring Christ in message and method?
The passage of laws contrary to God’s design for life grieves our souls. But may it lead us to our knees, asking the Lord to renew our minds and give us wisdom for engaging culture.
May our advocacy start with modeling a consistent biblical ethic of life in our attitudes and actions. Do we value all human beings as worthy of our love and dignity? Do we pray for and bless even ideological opponents? Are we known for our compassion as much as our moral passion?
In a divided culture, a Christlike character speaks boldly. May our “gentleness and respect” inspire many to repentance and redemption (1 Peter 3:15). As we lovingly uphold God’s truths, inviting deeper conversations rather than just stating disagreements, eyes will open to see life’s sanctity through God’s eyes.
Honoring the Imago Dei in All
At the root, Ohio’s Issue One reveals where our society falls dangerously short in honoring the image of God – Imago Dei – imprinted on all people. When any class of humans faces violation or disregard of their sacred dignity, the Church must speak out.
The tiny developing life in the womb bears the fingerprint of the Creator. “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb,” proclaims Psalm 139:13. Even beyond outward appearance, that child’s DNA contains the Maker’s handiwork. How could we not defend such divine handiwork?
Scripture compels us to plead the case for life without discounting this issue’s complexities. So, we must poignantly ask our culture: If every person holds intrinsic worth by virtue of bearing God’s image, how can we justify disregarding the dignity of those most vulnerable?
Upholding human dignity also means supporting women facing overwhelming circumstances in pregnancy. They need encouragement, not shaming. So, we surround them with grace and practical help. We uphold Imago Dei both in defending life and in serving struggling parents.
Our advocacy springs from honoring God and His creation. Do we balance truth with love? In both message and methods, may we honor the Imago Dei imprinted on all people, including the child in the womb. Our worship and activism must stem from the same Source of truth, redemption, and renewal.
Josh Cehulik 