Dear brothers and sisters, respect for human life is not just a moral obligation but a divine commandment that stems from the very heart of God. From the beginning of creation, God made it clear that every human life is precious. He created man in His own image, bestowing upon each individual an inherent dignity and worth that we are called to honor and protect.
Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples where the sanctity of life is emphasized. In the story of creation, God breathes life into Adam, making him a living being. This act underscores the divine origin of life and the sacredness of each breath we take. When we respect human life, we are acknowledging the divine breath that resides within every person.
Jesus Christ, our Savior, demonstrated the ultimate respect for human life through His ministry and sacrifice. He healed the sick, raised the dead, and showed compassion to the marginalized. His parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us to care for the well-being of others, regardless of their background or status. This story is a powerful reminder that respect for human life extends beyond mere words; it requires action and compassion.
In the Old Testament, the commandment “You shall not murder” is a clear directive to respect the life of others. This commandment is not just about refraining from taking life but also about nurturing and protecting it. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of God’s plans for us, plans to prosper and not to harm, plans to give hope and a future. This reflects God’s desire for each person to live a life full of purpose and dignity.
Dear friends, respect for human life also means standing against injustice and harm. We are called to be voices for the voiceless and defenders of the defenseless. When we see someone in need, let us remember the words of Jesus, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Our respect for human life is a reflection of our love for God and our commitment to His commandments.
Dear friends now let’s see the Bible scriptures below that talk about respect for human life.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male female created he them”
— Genesis 1:27
“Thou shalt not kill”
— Exodus 20:13
“Thou shalt not kill”
— Deuteronomy 5:17
“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s wombI will praise thee; for I am fearfully wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; that my soul knoweth right wellMy substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earthThine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them”
— Psalm 139:13-16
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto himA proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood”
— Proverbs 6:16-17
“Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee”
— Isaiah 49:15
“He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness”
— Matthew 19:18
“Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgmentBut I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire”
— Matthew 5:21-22
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law the prophets”
— Matthew 7:12
“The second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these”
— Mark 12:31
“As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise”
— Luke 6:31
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one anotherBy this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another”
— John 13:34-35
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved youGreater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”
— John 15:12-13
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another”
— Romans 12:10
“For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyselfLove worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law”
— Romans 13:9-10
“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”
— Galatians 5:14
“Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you”
— Ephesians 4:32
“For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church”
— Ephesians 5:29
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselvesLook not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others”
— Philippians 2:3-4
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsufferingForbearing one another, forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do yeAnd above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness”
— Colossians 3:12-14
“Let us consider one another to provoke unto love to good works”
— Hebrews 10:24
“Let brotherly love continueBe not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares”
— Hebrews 13:1-2
“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well”
— James 2:8
“Therewith bless we God, even the Father; therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of GodOut of the same mouth proceedeth blessing cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be”
— James 3:9-10