God is the author of life. He
is the sole authority in giving and in taking of one’s life. Life is God’s gift
for all creation in general and to mankind in particular. To have life is a
privilege because not all people have the chance to live. As figures state 6,
316 people die each hour, and 151, 600 people die each day. Indeed, life is a
gift, and to live is a privilege.
To give
respect for life is to live life in accordance to the purpose bestowed by the
Almighty God. That is to “fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the
whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every
hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Besides, life’s
purpose is to glorify the creator and to enjoy fellowship with Him. Hence, we
ought to examine and re-align our life in order to be in harmony with its
purpose of existence.
Furthermore, giving respect for life by not cutting it
off, by means of suicide or murder (it includes abortion), is giving respect to
God himself. The Scripture clearly states “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans
shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind”
(Genesis 9:6). Accordingly, “to destroy human life is to attack the image of
God, and therefore God demands an accounting. The reason murderers deserved the
death penalty was the supreme value of human life.” On the other hand,
disrespecting human life is not only via a vicious physical attack. Jesus’
teachings on murder signify that anyone who hates other people will be subject
to judgment (Matthew 5:21-26). Consequently, every person must not nurse a grudge
against anyone – spouse, siblings, superior, subordinates, and co-employees. In
doing so, we give respect for life.
Finally, the Scripture exhorts us to give respect to the
author of life by praising him for he created our inmost being, he knit us
together in our mother’s womb, and we are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalms 139: 13-14). As one poet says,
By God’s wise designing
We are wonderfully made,
Every part essential
And in perfect balance
laid.
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