- Lesson 11 in the Connect360 unit “Sacred Life: God’s Plan for Us” focuses on Proverbs 31:8.
From beginning to end, the Bible presents a holistic view of life. This view not only calls for the protection of life in its most vulnerable forms but also advocates for a quality of life marked by justice, compassion and dignity for all.
It is a view that challenges believers to extend love and support not just in words but in concrete actions that uphold the value and dignity of every human being. The fullest expression of the Christian faith is one that sees and supports the sanctity of life and acts on that conviction in a meaningful way.
This holistic and total affirmation of the sanctity of life, as an expression of our Christian faith, involves a commitment to extend the dignity and value of all human beings, regardless of age, ability, gender, race or socioeconomic status. This includes caring for the elderly, supporting the disabled, aiding the poor, and advocating for those who are vulnerable, marginalized or oppressed.
In the Old Testament, God consistently told the Israelites to act differently than those around them. In a culture that had little regard for those living on the margins, God’s people were to make margin for them, to cultivate their fields in a way that intentionally provided space for all and welcome all (Leviticus 23:22).
In the New Testament the first Christians of Acts created ministries that cared for the overlooked and neglected (Acts 6:2–3). This reminds us that across the biblical witness, God consistently demonstrates special care and concern for the vulnerable and marginalized, affirming the inherent dignity of every individual at every stage and place of life.
Scriptures are replete with mandates to protect and advocate for the weak, the poor, the oppressed and the voiceless, reflecting God’s heart for those often overlooked by society. This divine emphasis highlights the sanctity of human life, underpinned by the belief that all people are created in the image of God and therefore possess intrinsic worth.
The good news is that God’s children have already been doing this, which reflects this deep commitment to the sanctity of life at all stages. Across the United States, churches and faith-based organizations serve as pillars of their community, offering comprehensive ministries that reflect the holistic span of the sanctity of human life. From adoption and foster care ministries to addiction recovery, to marriage and family support, to crisis pregnancy centers and beyond, Christian ministries lead the charge in what it means to support the sanctity of human life at every stage.
The pro-life belief, at its best, is about creating a society that cares for and values life at every stage, to care for those who cannot speak for themselves and the common dignity and justice of the destitute. The call to everyone who claims the name of Christ is not: “Should I care about the sanctity of life?” Rather the question is: “How am I actively living out my commitment to the sanctity of human life?”
By Katie Frugé, director for the Center for Cultural Engagement and the Christian Life Commission of Texas Baptists.
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