SHOWING RESPECT FOR LIFE

God wants us to have respect for life-both our own and that of others. Back in the days of Adam and Eve, for example, their son Cain became very angry with his younger brother Abel.  Jehovah warned Cain that his anger could lead him to serious sin. Cain ignored that warning.  He 'assaulted Abel his brother and killed him.' (Genesis 4:3-8) Jehovah punished Cain for murdering his brother. -Genesis 4:9-11.

Thousands of years later, Jehovah gave the people of Israel laws to help them serve him acceptably. Because these laws were given through the prophet Moses, they are sometimes called the Mosaic Law. Part of the Mosaic Law said: "You must not murder." (Deuteronomy 5:17) This showed the Israelites that God values human life and that people must value the lives of others.

What about the life o of an unborn child?  Well, according to the Mosaic Law, causing the death of a baby in its mother's womb was wrong. Yes, even such a life is precious to Jehovah.  (Exodus 21:22, 23; Psalm 127:3)  This means that abortion is wrong. 

Having respect for life includes having the right view of fellow humans. The Bible says:  "Everyone who hates his brother is a manslayer, and you know that no manslayer has everlasting  life remaining in him." (1 John 3:15)  If we want  everlasting life, we need to root out of our heart any hatred for our fellowman, because hatred is the root cause of most violence.  (1 John 3:11, 12) It is vital that we learn to love one another.  

Next time: Conclusion of: SHOWING RESPECT FOR LIFE

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006