I was reading through the account of the conception of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the other day. One aspect of that wonderful story kept haunting me. The reaction that Joseph had to Mary’s pregnancy and the word which described his reaction captivated me.

They were engaged when she got pregnant. This time of engagement was supposed to be a time of celibacy, yet Mary was found to be with child.

In the Bible it states that Joseph did not want to make a public example of her. I believe that he would have cause to publicly shame her, maybe even stone her. Yet he chose to try to hide her and not bring her shame.

The Bible calls Joseph “just” for this response.

How many times are we “just”in the way we respond to unwed mothers? How many times do we as Christians open our homes and our arms to embrace these young women? We espouse our prolife agenda as if we are gods who can pass judgement, yet we do so little to support those who chose to give birth. When the babies are born, we turn our backs and allow the government to support them. Yet it is my belief that it is not the government’s responsibility to take care of these children.

Would they not be better to be loved and embraced by a family of believers? Someone who could cherish the child and not bring shame unto the mother.

It is ironic that the same political faction who supports pro life seeks to eliminate the public assistance for these mothers. What are they to do? Do you know how hard it is to work and/or go to school with a small baby and no father to support you?

I do, I raised three little children with very little financial support from my husband. I am very grateful for the fact that he was very involved in the lives of my children. Although this has caused me great hardship, I believe it worked in the best interest of my children.

Many times the dads of these young mothers move on without a second thought for the children they have left in their wake or the mothers that are struggling.

I wonder what a difference it would make in a young woman’s life if she experienced a church family which embraced her with forgiveness and support when she got pregnant? Which is what Joseph did.

I find that the word “just” must have a very different meaning than the word “self-righteous.” We as Christians must choose which term defines us.