RESPECT FOR LIFE AND BLOOD

For true happiness, we need to view human life as sacred, even as Jehovah does.  His Word forbids us to commit murder.  (Matthew 19:16-18) In fact, God's Law to Israel shows that he views the unborn child as a precious life-not something to be destroyed .  (Exodus 21:22, 23) For that matter, we must not treat life as something cheap by using tobacco, abusing our body with drugs or alcohol, or taking needless risks.  Neither should we engage in any life-treatening pursuits, nor should we ignore safety precautions, which might result in bloodguilt. -Deuteronomy 22:8. 

Jehovah told Noah  and his family that blood represents the soul, or life.  Therefore, God forbade them to eat any blood.  (Genesis 9:3, 4) Since we are their descendants, that law is binding upon all of us.  Jehovah told the Israelites that blood was to be poured out on the ground and was not to be used for man's own purposes.  (Deuteronomy 12:15, 16) and God's law on blood was reiterated when first-century Christians  were instructed:  "Keep abstaining . . .from blood."  (Acts 15:28, 29)  Out of respect for the sanctity of life, godly people do not accept blood transfusions, even if others insist that such a procedure lifesaving.  Many medical alternatives acceptable to Jehovah's Witnesses have proved to be very effective and do not expose one to the hazards of blood  transfusions.  Christians know that Jesus' shed blood is truly lifesaving.  Faith in it brings forgiveness and the prospect of eternal life. -Ephesians 1:7.

Clearly, living a godly life requires effort.  It may result in ridicule from family  members or acquaintances. (Matthew 10:32-39; 1 Peter 4:4) But the rewards of living such a life far outweigh any trials.  It results in a clean conscience and provides wholesome companionship with fellow worshipers of Jehovah. (Matthew 19:27, 29) Then, too, imagine living forever in God's righteous new world. (Isaiah 65:17, 18) And what joy there is in complying with Bible counsel and thus making Jehovah's heart rejoice! (Proverbs 27:11) No wonder that living a godly life brings happiness! -Psalm 128:1, 2.

Next time: WHOSE AUTHORITY SHOULD YOU RECOGNIZE?

The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995