Worldview Watch
People talk about “unplanned” or “unwanted” pregnancies. They say that a child can ruin a woman’s life. They say a girl should not be punished for the rest of her life just because of one mistake.
What does the Bible say?
First, let’s be clear. God forbids sexual relations outside of marriage, which obviously includes before marriage, and with good reason. This boundary protects people emotionally and physically, and it helps to ensure healthy families. God created man and woman to be complementary; the husband and wife together reflecting the nature of God and equipped for the raising of children. Single people will do well to abstain, following the blueprint God drew up for the body and soul He created.
But when a young person sins and pregnancy is the result, should we look at the baby as a punishment? A burden?
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies at the gate. Psalm 127:3-5
I believe even an unexpected child is still a heritage from the Lord. God is a redeemer. He rescues us from sin and shame. He shines light into darkness.
I know at least two women I love dearly who became pregnant with what seemed like, in human terms, terrible timing. One was going through a divorce and the other was a teenager. Both had strayed from the Lord and, for both, knowing new life was growing inside of them was a reality check. They repented and committed to raising Godly children. It was definitely challenging, especially as single moms, but God carried them through and continues to bless and be gracious.
Would life have been simpler if they had followed God’s commands? Sure. But with the decisions they were making, would they have been better off not having the children? Absolutely not.
Your baby is a gift.
God creates all life, and every child has a purpose, including, in some cases, to bless another family through adoption. Believe me, I know children are expensive and require sacrifice—I have four of them! But God’s grace is sufficient, and he is our Provider and, with a godly perspective, we can have joy and peace even when the road is difficult.
No matter how perfect the timing, parents must make sacrifices for the sake of their children, but the sacrifices are totally worth it. God’s plan of redemption is not about perfectly smooth and easy roads throughout life, with everything coming up roses at every turn. That does not describe Jesus’ life on earth, and it will not describe ours.
How do we label an “unplanned” pregnancy? God says children are a gift, created in the image of God. That works for me.
