Defending Human Life

The Jews clearly understood that God’s commandment not to kill refers to "murder" – the malicious taking of human life (Exodus 20:13). It doesn’t forbid governments to use the death penalty or to wage war. This commandment deals solely with private morality.

Exodus 20:13 is based on the divine truth that human life is sacred, and that we must protect and preserve it. Every human being bears God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). Even an embryo is marked with a unique identity from the moment of conception. Life is God’s most precious gift, and only He has the right to take it.

Abortion, euthanasia, and physician-assisted suicide must all be viewed in the light of God’s right to our life.

Jesus brought this commandment to the forefront when He said that to be angry at someone without cause makes us guilty of murder (Matthew 5:21-22). And John wrote, “Whoever hates his brother is a murderer” (1 John 3:15). This makes many folks murderers in desperate need of God’s forgiveness and mercy.

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for Your tender love and forgiveness. Help us to love others as You have loved us (John 13:34), and in so doing – value, protect, and enrich our life as a gift from You (Acts 17:24-25,28), in Jesus' name, Amen!

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets