AUG 27

Genesis 9:6
Memorise Genesis 2:7
“God… breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

If you think about it, abortion, suicide and euthanasia are really quite similar. All three involve the deliberate ending of a life, whether it is at the very beginning, in the middle, or towards the very end of it. They are all done deliberately and voluntarily, whether by self or through the aid of doctors. Euthanasia can sometimes be considered a form of assisted suicide, in cases where the patient himself requests it. Abortion on the other hand is done at the request of the mother or parents, and the unborn child has no say whatsoever in the outcome of his life. In any case, the wilful taking of a life occurs – murder has taken place.

Of course, one can argue that the situations that cause such things to happen are never simple at all. There are often many considerations, factors and reasons behind why someone would want to take a life. Many so-called humanitarian factors would come in: mercy for a young woman who has been raped and forced to conceive an unwanted child; or economic considerations for a terminal patient whose family has no money to pay for the expensive life support; or the poor man who has lost all hope in life and just wishes to end it. From a human standpoint, the arguments could go on forever, and there have been intense protracted debates about the morality and legality of such issues. So how then should a Christian view such things?

We must of course bring God into the picture, and seek His Word to give us the final answer to these questions. The 6th commandment is non-negotiable. In no uncertain terms, God has told us that we cannot kill. Genesis 9:6 says, “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man”. As man is made in the image of God, God alone has the divine sovereignty over life and death. He alone can decide if one should live or die. We have no control, not even over our own lives, and have no right to decide if another should live or die no matter how extreme the circumstances may be.

As Christians, we must take a stand against all such murderous acts, and ensure that we would never be a part of any such sinful industries. The laws of the land may one day change and allow more of such things to happen, but as Christians, we are separate, for we obey God and not Man.

Thought: God alone has power over life and death.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for those who are contemplating suicide, abortion, or even euthanasia, that You will help them to see the sanctity of human life.