For You From The Word
Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV)
For You To Think About
First in a series of Birthmothers’ Core Values – the beliefs that drive our service to those who face an unplanned pregnancy
Paul wrote to the Christ-followers at Corinth describing the importance of each one finding his strengths and using them to serve others for the common good.
He explained further the most valuable manner in which to use those gifts: with love.
The term for “love” that Paul used, agape, indicates affection without limitations. This type of love has no bounds. It is unchanging.
Unconditional love is for the hurting. Of those who face an unplanned pregnancy, many have been used by others for selfish means, and then discarded when life got hard. Others have been rejected. Still others are confused and uncertain about who they can count on.
Unconditional love is for the unlovable. What of the woman or man who chooses to seek help but shows no gratitude? The man who shirks the responsibility of fatherhood? The couple who terminates a pregnancy?
Unconditional love expects nothing in return. Unconditional love is not dependent on the receiver being lovable or worthy. We were not worthy for Christ to die for us. Unconditional love chooses to serve with no strings attached.
Think about the impact that kind of unconditional love has had for you when Christ made the ultimate sacrifice … and the impact it can have for a woman or man who faces an unplanned pregnancy. Can there be any more powerful manner in which to serve?
For You To Pray
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving me with condition. Help me show that love to a woman or man who faces an unplanned pregnancy.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.