This past Friday, the Supreme Court announced the reversal of Roe v. Wade. The court determined the U.S. constitution does not grant the right to an abortion, erasing the controversial decision made nearly 50 years ago. The court’s verdict does not mean abortion is outlawed, but the federal government no longer considers it a constitutional right. The choice is now left to each of the 50 states.

While this does not mean the end of abortion, it is certainly a step in the right direction. Fewer unborn babies will be killed, and for those of us who are pro-life, this is an occasion to celebrate! A battle has been won! Let us rejoice and be glad!

However, a word of caution, do not gloat over defeat. Yes, celebrate that more babies will be given the right to life, but don’t just cheer. Respond with positive action. Consider, perhaps, that the best way to celebrate is to donate generously to a crisis pregnancy center such as BsideU For Life which lovingly and practically cares for women in difficult situations.

Pastor Darrell B. Harrison of Grace to You Ministries reminded us to pray for those in opposition, tweeting “Pray for those, many, in fact, who undoubtedly are angered over the Supreme Court’s ruling on Roe v. Wade. A heart that is convinced it is justifiable to murder an unborn child is a heart that is in desperate need of transformation that only God can accomplish.”

For those who suggest Christians should not celebrate because some are disappointed by the ruling, may I remind you of Proverbs 21:15 “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” So, while we should not gloat, we have every right to be joyful on this occasion. For example, after the Israelites safely crossed the Red Sea, they stopped to celebrate the victory. They sang, danced, and gave God glory. While many Egyptians were left grieving and the liberated slaves would face difficult challenges ahead, the nation of Israel partied on the banks of the Red Sea. Although we should be sensitive to those who hurt and aid those who will struggle, today is a day of celebration! Let us rejoice and be glad!

I am thankful for answered prayer. Ever since Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973, millions of Christians have prayed and worked for its reversal. We expressed our concerns during elections, even though some scoffed that we were squandering our votes and wasting our time. Yet the Bible promises that God hears the prayers and honors the efforts of His people. What seemed impossible ten years ago has now become a reality. God has done “immeasurably more than we could have asked or imagined.”Let us give Him glory!

I am thankful for pro-life leaders who stood firm and never wavered on this issue. For years, local leaders like Margie Montgomery, longtime Director of Kentucky Right to Life, and national leaders like Albert Mohler, Tony Evans, Franklin Graham, Lee Strobel, and scores of others have unapologetically stood for life. So let us give God thanks for spiritual leaders who, for years, have been faithful, courageous advocates for the unborn.

I am thankful for Donald Trump. I did not think I would ever write that statement seven years ago. I was opposed to Donald Trump running for President and was put off by his candidacy. Even now, I hope he does not run again in 2024. However, in 2016, when it came down to voting for one of two people, Trump was the only one who took a pro-life position and promised he would nominate pro-life, conservative justices. Because of that single issue, like many, I held my nose and voted for him. Some high-profile Christians were very critical of believers who would vote for such an ungodly candidate and insisted we had lost our testimony. I understood their criticism. Nevertheless, Donald Trump kept his promise and appointed three of the Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn Roe. I am now thankful for the role Donald Trump played.

I am thankful for Mitch McConnell. Toward his presidency’s end, Barak Obama nominated Merrick Garland for the Supreme Court. Mitch McConnell, the majority leader at the time, refused to bring that nomination to the Senate floor. McConnell’s controversial action left open the nomination of Neil Gorsuch, a much more conservative candidate, a few months later. Senator McConnell now regards that decision as his most important contribution.

In a way, I am thankful for the hostile reaction of extreme liberals to the court’s decision. Evil is being exposed. An astute business leader once told me, “When you fire someone, within two weeks, they will show you why.” People’s true character comes out when they don’t get their way. Many who favor the unfettered killing of the unborn are revealing their true nature. They vowed a “night of rage” in retaliation. Some reacted with hostile threats against the Supreme Court justices who voted for overturning Roe. Angry liberal members of Congress have shouted, “To hell with the Supreme Court,” and barked, “We are coming after you!” The Babylon Bee, a satirical conservative website, featured a headline that lampooned, “Dems Pause January 6 Hearings to Call for Insurrection.”

Since early May, when a draft of the Supreme Court decision was leaked, there have been over 50 attacks against crises pregnancy centers and pro-life churches, including arson, property damage, and messages of graffiti that threaten, “If abortion isn’t safe, neither are you!” Who would firebomb or vandalize a place that tries to save the unborn and help women in desperation? Imagine being outraged because babies are getting the chance to live. The true nature of the opposition is being exposed.

I’m thankful for the U.S. Constitution and our system of government. Those upset over the recent ruling lament that we are in danger of “losing our democracy.” On the contrary, the overturning of Roe v. Wade has demonstrated that democracy has worked. People voted. Politicians responded and kept their promises. Members of the Supreme Court interpreted the Constitution as “Lex Rex” (law is king), and the constitutional republic worked.

I’m thankful for the conservative members of the Supreme Court who refused to be intimidated. Despite illegal demonstrations outside their homes, angry threats from members of Congress, and even an assassination attempt, Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Amy Coney Barrett stood firm. Chief Justice John Roberts also cast his vote with the majority. It’s not easy to be a leader in a country so radically divided as the U.S. is right now. These courageous Supreme Court justices are to be commended.

Most of all, I’m thankful for the unborn, who will be given a right to life. Since 1973 it is estimated that 63 million lives have been terminated in the womb. Solomon wrote, “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter” (Proverbs 24:11).

We have an obligation to defend those who can’t defend themselves. Because of the Supreme Court’s decision, thousands more will now have the right to live. Maybe the next Billy Graham or Mother Teresa will emerge from among those who have been rescued. That’s reason to rejoice.

“The day of battle is not over, and the cause of life is not finally won. We will have to redouble our efforts, refine our arguments, stand alongside women in crises, honor the family and contend for life the rest of our lives.” (Dr. Albert Mohler from the article, The Supreme Court strikes down Roe and Casey.)

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