When Roe v. Wade Costs You a Friend

What should our attitude be in the wake of the ruling that has overturned Roe v. Wade? Abortion is a polarizing issue for many and can cause tension in families and friendships. In the wake of this ruling, Jeff offers some points to ponder that could help you navigate these relationships.

Snippet from the Show
Demonstrate the peace and love of Christ.

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Ponder These Points

1. Recognize what was at stake in their hearts even though you do not agree with their reasoning. There is a loss that is sometimes interpreted as "I don't matter.” “The authority has been taken away from me, so what's next on the slippery slope?"

2. The ruling may bring up pain from a previous abortion. The Roe v Wade ruling in 1973 put some salve on the wound, and now that may be ripped wide open again.

3. For some there has been a long battle going on with family or friends regarding this topic and for those on the pro-choice side, this was a sucker punch to the gut. Smiles, smirks, laughter, and "Praise God" comments can be taken the wrong way.

Luke 12. “I came to divide.”

“From now on a household of five will be divided,
three against two and two against three.
A father will be divided against his son
and a son against his father,
a mother against her daughter
and a daughter against her mother,
a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

Keep These Things in Mind

1. Assure people of your love for them. You may be the only one in their life that can love them through the anger and loss of control, not to mention the wounds of the past.

2. Don't allow the conversation to move into you vs them.

3. Avoid arguing, at least for a bit. Demonstrate the peace and love that Christ gives you!

4. Be patient with people realizing that their response doesn't come from an easy place, but most likely a difficult one.

5. I mentioned a sense of loss and control in the lives of those who hold to a pro-choice stance. You can lovingly introduce them or remind them of the Kerygma.

6. Recognize that their pain and anger aren't necessarily about laws, but they might be offended because their heart goes out to a loved one who had an abortion.

7. Forgiveness and release for things said to you and about you!

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