Are you willing to take a stand for what is right, even if it is unpopular? Will you commit to the truth, even if all around say that it is a lie? What happens if you do what is right, but you end up suffering for doing good? If someone wrongs you, will you strike back, or turn the other cheek?

After the Dobbs court case that overturned Roe v. Wade, Christians have had several issues to consider. Previously, we have seen what God’s Word has to say to the issue of “sanctity of life.” We will want to consider other truths from God’s point-of-view in the future, but now we ponder turning the other cheek.

Michael Lawrence, a pastor with many of our same doctrines, lives and pastors in Portland, OR. Recently, he wrote for The Gospel Coalition on what he and his church experienced after the Supreme Court decision: “When the Mob Shows Up the Monday After Roe.” He records what happened to his church property, the caring pregnancy center they support, and the city block that has their buildings:

After circling the block, a group of well-prepared and fully masked individuals broke off. Using umbrellas and masks to shield their identity from security cameras, they smashed almost every ground-floor window on the side of the building that had not yet been boarded up, and covered the building in vile graffiti aimed specifically at Christians.

The damage was done in just moments. With the rest of the marchers, whose mass largely shielded the vandals from view, they then marched back to the park, shedding their black Antifa-style clothing on the way. They got in their cars and left, but not before some drove around the block, taunting the police, calling them “pigs,” and telling them to solve “real” crimes.

The level of organization and coordination was striking, including sending a “scout” 30 minutes before the rally to photograph the security cameras and note how to avoid being identified.

One reporter covering the event was assaulted by several in the crowd with umbrellas and mace, but thankfully was not seriously hurt. A few window A/C units were damaged, and there’s a lot of glass to replace and graffiti to remove. But in answer to the prayers of many, there was no fire, no serious injuries, and no further attempts to damage the building. We don’t take this for granted. A little more than two weeks ago, one of the centers operated by First Image in a nearby suburb was firebombed and declared a total loss.

“When the Mob Shows Up the Monday After Roe“