This week is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, as set aside by our Synod. Among our few positions posted at the website are three that oppose abortion. All life is special because we are created in the image of God. Even murder, the unlawful taking of human life, is forbidden in the Bible because killing a human being is attacking the image of God (cf. Genesis 9:6).

An important part of being pro-life is having the right understanding about the sacredness of human life. We get that right understanding from God’s Word. There are many places that mention the unique value of human life to God, even when it is in the womb. God knew us and our days, even when we were being created in the secret, unseen place (Psalm 139: 15-16).

Having the right understanding in our heads is not enough to make us pro-life. That understanding must cause us to live and act in a way that supports, rescues and saves lives. The 11th chapter of Proverbs is full of verses that contrast the righteous and the wicked. The righteous one trusts in the Lord and uses his means to help others. The wicked one trusts in his own stuff and thinks only about holding on to it and acquiring more. Verse 24 gives us the ironic truth: One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

Because the righteous trusts that the Lord will provide all their needs, they are free to use their goods, time and ability to look to the needs of others. They do not need to hang on to their goods with the desperation of a drowning man to a life buoy. Instead, the grace of God has enabled them to swim, knowing that God will provide all they need plus more to share and help others.

Verse 30 is key for the chapter. The life of the righteous person produces good fruit. The good fruit is the care of others that comes from thinking about the needs of others. This may take the form of something physical like food or clothing. It may take the form of counsel, encouragement or emotional support. This righteous fruit is a tree of life, not only to the righteous person, but also to those around him or her.

Trees produce fruit that feed many people. You find the fruit on productive fruit trees. Trees are rooted. People know where they can go to get the fruit they need. So it is with the righteous person. Their fruit is like a tree of life. It gives what is needed for life. It is in a place where people know they can find it. It regularly has what is needed. Righteousness that looks for ways to be a tree of life for others is a hallmark of the righteous person. God creates in us the ability and desire to be conduits of life.

This is an attitude that must be developed. Our sinful selfishness and tendency to trust in our stuff rather than the Lord will not make us into people like this. Only God’s transforming love in Christ will do that. An old Celtic prayer (from a section focused on welcome and hospitality) reminds me of my need to be life giving: Watch now O Christ with those who are weary, or wandering or weeping this night. Guide them to a house of your peace and lead me to be caring for their tears.

He who saves souls is wise. We read these words and immediately think of sharing the gospel with others. It is through the gospel that souls are saved. What greater need do people have than to be reconciled to God? The most important fruit on the righteous person’s tree is the precious gospel of Christ. Real wisdom and righteousness results in sharing that which saves souls.

Yet, when the Bible speaks of the soul, it means the life of the whole person. Rescuing a man from the flood is also saving a soul. Feeding those who are hungry rescues their soul. Counseling those who are on a path of destruction and helping them get off it is rescuing their soul as well. The righteous one has an eye for rescue that includes all these ways and more.

Saying and thinking pro-life thoughts should be coordinated with pro-life actions. To oppose abortion is good, but righteous people also act in ways that help those considering abortion to choose life for their child. The Pregnancy Center has support for the young ladies, including counseling, classes in parenting and the bible, baby needs and other support. Clear words join strong, warm arms in the cause of life.

What is your life like? Is your life marked by concern for others that works its way out in deeds and actions that make a difference? Are you one who uses your goods and abilities to bless others in their times of need? Are there people in this community who say, "O yes, she has done this for me when I was in need"? How well does this description of a righteous person whose fruit is a tree of life describe you? How well does it describe us as a church of Jesus?

If you want to have righteous fruit, then look first to the love of God in Christ. You cannot share what you do not have. Be renewed in Jesus’ love. Look to Jesus for love and use what you receive to love others.