What does it say about us when whether or not someone was alive is defined by how that possible / potential life was terminated?
I just watched the news and saw an attorney argue that when someone murders a pregnant woman, that person should not also be charged with the murder of the unborn baby. He says this because it’s legal for the woman to terminate the pregnancy – and she would not be charged with murder. So the person who kills her shouldn’t be charged with murder either.
Where does this madness end?
Now that assisted suicide is legal in more and more states, does that mean it’s OK to kill anyone in that state who is old / sick / depressed – anyone who may also be considering assisted suicide? Is the analogy any different?
The death penalty in criminal cases can be viewed as legalized murder. Assisted suicide is much the same in some states – legalized murder.
But abortion doesn’t have that status. In the case of abortion – proponents argue that the fetus isn’t a person.
On that grounds – one could, from a very legalistic point of view – agree with the attorney.
How can one be guilty of killing a person – when the law doesn’t consider the fetus a person?
Again – Where does this madness end?
Life is precious.
Human life starts with a breath from God.
We all are His children.
Killing one of His children –
children defined by His rules – not ours –
is murder.
It’s a crime not only against the person who was killed –
It’s also a crime against God.
Dt 32:40 I lift my hand to heaven and declare:
As surely as I live forever,
Dt 32:41 when I sharpen my flashing sword
and my hand grasps it in judgment,
I will take vengeance on my adversaries
and repay those who hate me.
When will the madness end?
In the end. When God takes His vengeance.
The Old Testament view of all this is –
Dt 32:43 Rejoice, O nations, with his people,
for he will avenge the blood of his servants;
he will take vengeance on his enemies
and make atonement for his land and people.
However – for Christians – we live under the New Testament –
Mt 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Yes – God will still have His vengeance on those who murder – yes, murder – His children.
We, however, are called to love everyone. We are called to pray for our enemies. That includes those who murder God’s children – could potentially murder one of us – and may have already murdered one of our friends or loved ones. As much as we don’t want to – as hard as it is – we are called to do that. We are called to be like Him – because right up to the moment of the murderers death – the murderer is also loved by God – and has a chance for forgiveness.
Mt 6:14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
When will the madness end?
Not until The End.
But until The End – we still pray for each person who is involved in the madness to turn to God – so they may not the target of His vengeance.
i also pray for those who find it so hard to pray for the murderers. As I have trouble myself, often times. Because if we do not forgive – neither will we be forgiven.
It’s hard to be a light to the world – when we want to follow the ways of darkness.
But we must accept His help – and either stay – or get back in – the light.
Life is not defined by the person who kills it.
Life is defined by the One who created it. God.