Mercy killing raises ethical and moral questions, and the Bible provides principles about life, death, and compassion. Today, let’s see what Scripture says about these difficult situations and how to seek God’s wisdom in them.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Team Work
What Does The Bible Say About Mercy Killing
Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder.”
This verse clearly states that taking someone’s life, regardless of the circumstance, is not aligned with God’s commandments. It serves as a reminder that every human life is valuable and should be protected.
Deuteronomy 30:19
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.”
God gives us the gift of life and encourages us to choose life, not death. This verse emphasizes the importance of valuing and cherishing the sanctity of life, both for ourselves and for future generations.
Psalm 139:13-16
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”
This beautiful passage highlights God’s intricate and intentional creation of every human life. It affirms that each person is uniquely designed by God and has inherent worth and value.
Proverbs 31:8-9
“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
This verse reminds us to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the vulnerable. It reinforces the importance of protecting life and ensuring justice and mercy for all.
Ecclesiastes 8:8
“No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it.”
This verse acknowledges that we do not have control over life and death. It implies that ending someone’s life prematurely is not within our human authority and reminds us that ultimate justice rests in God’s hands.
Matthew 5:21-22
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
Jesus extends the understanding of murder beyond physical actions, highlighting the significance of our thoughts, words, and attitudes towards others. This verse emphasizes the value of every person’s life and the need to treat others with love and respect.
Matthew 6:25
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”
Jesus reminds us that life is more than our basic needs. It directs our attention to the greater purpose and meaning behind our existence, highlighting the value and significance of every individual’s life.
Matthew 10:28
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Jesus teaches that our ultimate fear should not be the physical harm that others can inflict upon us, but rather the judgment of God. This verse emphasizes the eternal nature of our souls and the importance of valuing and preserving life accordingly.
Matthew 19:18
“He said to him, ‘Which ones?’ And Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness,'”
Jesus affirms the commandment against murder, reiterating the importance of honoring the sanctity of life and avoiding actions that harm others physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
Mark 10:13-16
“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”
Jesus reveals the value He places on children and their innocence. This verse highlights the importance of protecting and nurturing young lives, recognizing their vulnerability and their rightful place in God’s kingdom.
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Jesus declares that His mission is to bring abundant life. This verse emphasizes that life is a precious gift from God and that Jesus offers us the opportunity to experience true fulfillment and purpose in Him.
Acts 17:25
“Nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.”
This verse reminds us that God is the source of life itself. It underscores the fact that every breath we take is a gift from Him, reinforcing the inherent value and worth of every human being.
Romans 12:19
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”
God alone has the authority to judge and execute justice. This verse urges us to trust in God’s divine justice and to refrain from taking matters into our own hands, including the decision to end someone’s life.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
This verse emphasizes the sacredness of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. It highlights the importance of caring for and preserving our own lives, as well as the lives of others, as vessels of God’s presence.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
As believers, our bodies belong to God. This verse reminds us of our responsibility to honor Him by valuing and protecting our own lives and the lives of others, recognizing the precious price paid for our salvation.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
This verse highlights the qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in the lives of believers. These characteristics, including love and compassion, are incompatible with the act of mercy killing, as they promote the protection and preservation of life.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
We are God’s masterpiece, uniquely created for a purpose. This verse affirms the value and significance of every person’s life, as well as the call to fulfill the good works that God has prepared for us, which do not include ending the lives of others.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
This verse encourages us to have an attitude of selflessness and consideration for others. It reminds us that valuing and protecting life requires us to prioritize the well-being and interests of others above our own.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
Prayerful intercession for all people, including those in authority, is encouraged in this verse. It implies that promoting peace and a godly and dignified life involves upholding the value and sanctity of every human life.
Hebrews 9:27
“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,”
This verse affirms that death is an inevitable part of life, but it also reinforces the understanding that God is the ultimate judge. It reminds us that we do not have the authority to determine when someone’s life should end.
James 3:9-10
“With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
James highlights the inconsistency of using our words to both bless God and curse those who are made in His image. This verse emphasizes the need to honor and respect the value of every individual’s life, refraining from actions or words that diminish their worth.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”
This verse teaches us to respond to evil or harm with kindness and blessing. It emphasizes the importance of valuing and preserving life, even in the face of adversity, as we seek to reflect God’s character and receive His blessings.
1 John 3:15
“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”
John equates hatred with murder, highlighting the seriousness of harboring ill feelings towards others. This verse stresses the importance of love and forgiveness, recognizing the damaging effects of a heart that does not value and honor the lives of others.
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
This verse describes the future hope of believers, where death will be eradicated and all suffering will cease. It reminds us that God’s ultimate plan is to bring life and restoration, offering comfort and reassurance in the face of pain and hardship.
In conclusion, these Bible verses provide a clear and consistent message about the value and sanctity of every human life. They affirm the importance of protecting and preserving life, as well as our responsibility to treat others with love, compassion, and respect. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God’s Word consistently emphasizes the inherent worth of every individual, highlighting the sacredness of life and the need to honor and value it accordingly. As followers of Christ, we are called to promote life, advocate for the vulnerable, and trust in God’s divine plan for each person’s existence. May these verses inspire us to uphold the precious gift of life and reflect God’s love in our actions and attitudes towards others.