Kevin Carrothers
The Bible teaches that all people are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). This truth gives every person inherent dignity and value, regardless of life’s situations. As Christians, we are called to reflect God’s heart by defending the life of the unborn, protecting the vulnerable, healing the wounded, and restoring the broken. These priorities demonstrate God’s compassion and love. They point to his desire for abundant life (John 10:10).
Scripture unveils God’s personal involvement in the creation of life, even before birth. Psalm 139:13-16 proclaims, “For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb…. Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began.”
Defending the life of the unborn aligns with God’s command to safeguard the helpless (Proverbs 31:8-9). The unborn cannot speak for themselves but depend upon others to uphold their lives. This principle resonates with Job’s declaration, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4). All life belongs to God.
As believers, we must respond to the biblical call (James 1:27) to care for the most vulnerable. This means demonstrating compassion to those facing unplanned pregnancies with loving support rather than judgment. Offering practical resources reflects God’s heart for life. Defending the unborn honors God the Creator.
The Bible repeatedly stresses protecting the vulnerable, including the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. Proverbs 14:31 teaches, “The one who oppresses the poor person insults his Maker, but one who is kind to the needy honors him.” Jesus modeled this principle by showing compassion to the sick, those with disabilities, the distressed, and the dejected (Matthew 9:35-36). Jesus’ actions emphasize the divine value of every individual, challenging us to act with Christlike compassion and tangible efforts for those in need.
The sanctity of life also encompasses a commitment to healing, which resonates with God’s desire for wholeness and restoration. Jesus demonstrated his power and willingness to heal the spiritually and physically wounded throughout his ministry. Mark 5 exemplifies Jesus’ compassion and authority over life as he delivers a demonically oppressed man, heals a woman suffering from chronic bleeding, and raises a young girl from the dead.
Healing is not only about physical well-being but also about addressing emotional and spiritual wounds. Psalm 34:18 assures us, “The LORD is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.” As the body of Christ, we are instrumental in this mission of support to those struggling with issues such as anxiety, abuse, addiction, and spiritual lostness. By offering the hope of Jesus Christ, the wounded have the opportunity to experience the grace of God. This serves as a reminder of God’s redemptive work in our lives, allowing us to love patiently and to encourage the hurting.
The fall of humanity to sin’s destructive power (Genesis 3) severed our relationship with God. The biblical truth of restoration is the heart of the gospel, proclaiming that Christ came to reconcile humanity to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). We are entrusted with the responsibility to proclaim that reconciliation with God is possible in Christ alone, but also seek peaceful reconciliation with one another whenever possible (Romans 12:18). Thus, restoring the broken requires intentional efforts to mend what sin has fractured. When we seek restoration, we highlight God’s transformative power, bringing hope to a fractured world.
The biblical exhortation to champion the sanctity of human life compels us to defend the unborn, protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and restore the broken. These actions may be individual acts of service and kindness or community ministries such as maternity centers or counseling services. They are opportunities to reflect God’s character and his values of life and peace.
We live in a world that often disregards the sacredness of life, yet Christians are called to be God’s shining light through word and deed, that all people are precious in God’s sight. As we embrace this divine mandate, we proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, participate in his redemptive work, and demonstrate the intrinsic worth and dignity of every human being.
– Kevin Carrothers is executive director of Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services, comprising of the children’s residential facility in Carmi, Angels Cove Maternity Home and GraceHaven Pregnancy Resource Clinic, both in Mt. Vernon, Faith Adoption services, and Pathways Counseling.
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday in the Southern Baptist Convention is January 19. Download free resources from the ERLC.