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b'Editor\\u2019s Note: Today\\u2019s reading mentions the subject of abortion.\\nSarah and I had been best friends since third grade. She was an amazing ballerina and began ballet years before we met. I think the only time she went to church was when she went with me. We talked much about her need to have a relationship with Christ, but it never went past talking.\\nThen, one day, Sarah came to me and was talking in disjointed sentences. \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153Jim and I\\u2026Mom says she knows someone. Mom will fix it. I have my ballet to think about. Someday I am going to New York. It doesn\\u2019t matter\\u2026forget I said anything.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d We were fourteen, and I did not listen or comprehend what she was trying to tell me. It wasn\\u2019t until two years later that I understood. She\\u2019d had an abortion.\\nWhile we still remain friends, our relationship has changed. We no longer enjoy the closeness we had before. I pray for Sarah every week; my heart yearns for her to know Jesus and His love for her. I often wonder, *How would the situation have been different if I had truly listened to Sarah? How could I have shown Jesus\\u2019 love and truth through my words and actions?*\\nWe all need Jesus, and, as Christians, living a life of love and kindness gives us opportunities to share the hope of Jesus in the darkest of situations. When a friend is struggling, listen\\u2014truly listen\\u2014to what they have to say.\\nJames 1:19 says to be \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153slow to speak.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d He doesn\\u2019t say \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153don\\u2019t speak.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d With words couched in God\\u2019s love, tell them of His grace and mercy. Because Jesus is the only One who can save us from the sin, brokenness, and death we all face. \\n\\u2022 No matter what situation you are facing, in Christ, you are never alone (Matthew 28:20). If you or a friend is facing a tough situation, who is a trusted adult you can talk with about it? \\n\\u2022 How can you listen to and speak with friends facing tough situations? How will the Holy Spirit help you speak the truth about Jesus into the situation (Luke 12:12)? \\n\\u2022 Abortion leaves a deep wound that only Jesus can heal. Jesus is the Ultimate Healer. If you are seeking healing after an abortion, find a trusted Christian friend who will listen. If you need someone to talk to, you can set up an appointment for a one time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service:\\nIn the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment.\\nIn Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.\\nUnderstand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 (NLT)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\n2 Timothy 2:24-26; James 1:19; 1 Peter 3:15-16'