Quiet the voices of the world and refocus on the sanctity of life by remembering President Russell M. Nelson’s counsel.
Photo by Chayene Rafaela.
Today, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are truly peculiar in the eyes of the world. The commandments of God differ from many popular opinions, and among these points of conflict, abortion may be one of the most hotly contested issues. In the hurricane of information and opinions shouted both by those in favor of and those against abortion, it can be hard to hear the Lord’s voice. We can be reminded of commandments concerning abortion and the sanctity of life as we listen to the words of President Russell M. Nelson, given in his 2009 Ensign article “Abortion: An Assault on the Defenseless.”
As a physician, President Nelson had firsthand experience with life-or-death situations, and he has gained a special appreciation for life. He says, “As sons and daughters of God, we cherish life as a gift from Him.” President Nelson cautions that we should not let the reasoning of the world twist the Lord’s truth: “As Latter-day Saints, we should stand up for choice—the right choice—not simply for choice as a method.” We believe in the power of choice, but also that each choice has consequences. We do not have the right to harm others when those consequences spread beyond us as individuals to affect the lives of others.
According to President Nelson, the Church recognizes only a few occasions when abortion might be considered, but even in these cases, individuals should counsel carefully with the Lord through prayer and with their church leaders.
As we defend the Lord’s commandments to protect life, we will gain a greater reverence for life and for our Creator.
Read President Nelson’s full article “Abortion: An Assault on the Defenseless” to learn more about the role of choice in abortion.
Source: Ensign
—Natasha Andersen, Mormon Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY JORDAN ROWLAND
Find more insights
Read more about the Church’s stance on abortion here.
Find counsel on how to defend religious freedom through civil social discourse from this article by Elder Quentin L. Cook.