Love Covers a Multitude of Sins

She was waiting for me in the consultation room. Her eyes were red from crying even before I told her that her pregnancy test was positive. Marissa* said as a Christian she thought abortion was morally wrong but felt like it was her only option. She shared her fears. 

Would the father of her baby stay in the relationship or exit as so many do? 

What would her mother, father and other family members think/say? 

She said her biggest fear was how her church family would react? 

She told me she was in leadership at her church and that she was often held up as an example to other single adults as a model of how a young woman should be.

As she spoke, her tears flowed freely. We talked about God's amazing, all-encompassing, forgiving love. We talked about failure and forgiveness. We talked about doing the right thing and trusting God to provide and bless. We also talked about abortion and it's heavy burden of regret and shame.

I offered her an ultrasound. 

After seeing her tiny baby and hearing his steady heartbeat, all talk of abortion ceased and Marissa started talking about how she should tell her parents and family. 

Her tears flowed again as she tried to plan the best way to tell her pastors and church family. 

I shared 1 Peter 4:8 which says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” I reminded her that we all sin and desperately need the love and forgiveness of Jesus. Also, that this same love and forgiveness dwells in the hearts of those who love him.

Marissa came in the following week to tell me how it all went.

Her parents were surprised but supportive, as were her other family members. 

The father of the baby was shocked but committed to being a dad and staying in their relationship. 

The most precious news of all was how her pastors reacted. 

She said they were silent for a few minutes, then warmly reassured her of her value and worth and promised their love and support for her and this soon-to-be new church member. As she shared their reaction with me, her smile lit up the room.

I have many pictures of babies sent to me by Informed Choices mamas. But my favorite by far is the one of Marissa and her son taken without her knowing it during a worship service when her baby boy was 8 months old. Her little one is nestled in her arms looking intently up at his mama whose face and hands are lifted up in worship.

Dear friends, may we be the hands, feet and heart of Jesus as we support mamas and welcome unexpected little ones into the family of God. 

*Name changed to protect our patient’s privacy.