I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works, And my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139:14

God has mandated the lawful preservation of life. Genesis 9:6, which states, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man.” Contemporary discussions among Christians around the death penalty for certain crimes is a much debated topic.

God has granted every individual the right to defend their own life. For instance, one is entitled to protect their family and home from an intruder or to defend their nation against an assault. The decision to enlist in military service is a personal matter of conscience before God. The chief principle of the Bible is the protection of all innocent human life. We have a responsibility to care for the vulnerable, including young children, unborn infants, individuals with terminal diseases, those in poor health, and the elderly. To disregard the lives of the weak and vulnerable would constitute a transgression of the Sixth Commandment.

Furthermore, we must prioritise the care of our own bodies and health. Adopting a proper diet to maintain physical fitness and well-being is part of the Six Commandment. We should refrain from actions that harm our bodies, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, or any other behaviours that could jeopardise our lives and health. In the Western world, Christians do not face the same existential threats as many do in the Middle East and other regions. Despite persecution, the faithful remain resolute in their beliefs, refusing to deny Christ even at the cost of their lives. The Lord has promised that those who lose their lives for the sake of faithfulness will ultimately save them (Matthew 10:39).

As stated in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Genesis 1:27 affirms that, “…God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” These verses indicate that God was aware of Jeremiah prior to his birth and had a divine purpose for him. Similarly, the psalmist acknowledges his extraordinary creation in Psalm 139. Genesis reiterates that humanity is made in God’s likeness. Reflecting on these scriptures, one realises that life is a precious gift from God deserving of protection. How do you strive to adhere to these principles in your life? Do you evangelise to those who are lost, informing them about preserving their lives? Do you proclaim the Good News of eternal life through Jesus Christ? Are you taking the sixth commandment to heart? Let us endeavour to be individuals who actively protect life.