This week, let us remember all human life is precious and valued by God.

Earlier this month, we discussed our role as God’s special creation, His image-bearers. It means human life is sacred and should be valued. As believers, we need to value life, not only the unborn, but pro-life should mean all life. in John 13:34, Jesus speaks plainly, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 

We demonstrate who we are as Christians when we love others selflessly, the way Christ loves us. Life is a gift from God as we are to be good stewards of life, not only our own but that of others as well. Life, all life, is to be cherished, respected, and protected. In today’s world, we most often hear about protecting life in the womb, standing against abortion, and we should. God’s Word clearly condemns the practice – forbidding the shed of innocent blood (Exodus 23:7, Proverbs 6:16-17). 

But our efforts at valuing and protecting life should not stop there – pro-life should include all life. We must remember the value of human life is founded in the giver of life – God. Human worth is established in the image of God as believers, we are to uphold and value human lives. God’s command is clear, “You shall not murder” Deuteronomy 5:17. The Hebrew word translated as murder is rasah and it describes premeditated, unlawful, or immoral killing of a human, as well as causing unintentional death because of negligence or carelessness (note: in the Bible, the word rasah is never used in the context of self-defense or killing in war). 

This week, let us remember all human life is precious and valued by God. Humanity bears the image of God and human life is not disposable but a gift from God. Let us value life, not only the life of the unborn, but all life. Let us truly be pro-life.