Saturday after the Sixth Sunday after Trinity, 8/5/00

1 John 3: 16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. --NKJV

In the name of the One Who laid down His life for us, amen.

All this week we have been looking at the commandment against murder. There is more than we can consider in six devotions, but we end today by asking the question, "I know it is wrong to take my own life or even to harm my own health, but is there ever a time when it is OK to take my own life or to put my life in danger?

Most often a question like this comes up after someone we know has committed suicide. We will sit around and argue whether a person who took his own life could have repented before he died, etc. That is not quite the question we are addressing here, but it is important for us to consider that question too. So, simply put, if you are considering suicide, don't take the risk, because you put an end to your time of grace. This includes doctor-assisted suicide. By taking your own life you are saying that there is no hope in this life. That reveals a lack of faith. On the other hand, we will sometimes give a Christian burial to a person who has committed suicide, depending on the circumstances. It may be possible that a chemical imbalance in the brain drives a person to suicide, but that is doubtful at best.

But there are times when we should risk our life and even give our life. To protect our family, our nation, or even to protect the life of a stranger, it is permissible and even good to give our life. The Christian understands that he has salvation, so the end of this life is not the end of all life. That principle guides us in many decisions concerning the risk of our own life. If we are risking our life to protect the life of another, we can risk our life boldly and with the confidence that even if we should die, we will live eternally with Christ. We also know that laying down our life for others doesn't always mean physical death. We often give our lives by living a life of sacrifice. Amen.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, You sent Your Son Jesus to give His life for us both by living, and by dying. Help us to think like Him and unselfishly give our lives for others by living and, when necessary, by dying. When we have suicidal thoughts, help us to sacrifice our lives first to you, then for others. Remind us that we sacrifice our lives to You by living a life that is a Christian example, and reaching out to others with the Holy Gospel. Remind us that we sacrifice our lives for others when we do what is best for them, and not by doing what is convenient for us. If we ever have to die so that someone else can live, help us to do it with confidence because Jesus died for us so that we will live forever, amen.

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