The best decision
Imagine that you are sitting at the bedside of someone you love dearly… someone who is suffering from an incurable disease. What happens when you face the dilemma of having to make a medical decision, a momentous decision with moral implications?
Is it valid to decide that the loved one who is suffering should die due to the circumstances? What is the right perspective to make the right decision? How can you be sure you’re making the right decision in the midst of a clinical crisis?
When the answers to these questions seem confusing, you need to know where to turn. The Bible says what makes life valuable. The wisdom of the word of God will guide you to make decisions regarding the end of life, decisions that are truly correct and worthy.
“And if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
“ I am very worried about my mother’s incurable disease. Isn’t it right to practice euthanasia that is based on love?”
Her love for her mother must be of great comfort to her. But loving her doesn’t mean you have the right to kill her. The Bible describes love as the natural protection of the loved one. Out of love we must preserve and protect our loved ones from premature death.
“[Love] suffers everything, believes everything, expects everything, supports everything”. (1 Corinthians 13:7)
“When someone is dying, is it wrong to “disconnect” the machine that provides artificial life to the patient?”
Sometimes a patient is kept alive by mechanical or artificial means. These methods replace vital body functions such as breathing or heart rate. Likewise, they serve only to postpone the moment of death. In that case, disconnecting a mechanical or artificial device is not euthanasia, because only natural and inevitable death is given free course. God has determined the number of our days, the limit of which we cannot go beyond.
“Surely her days are determined, and the number of her months is near to you; you set limits for him, which he will not exceed.” (Job 14:5)
Controversies within society
The advancement of medical technology
External concern—“People will live longer!”
Personal concern—“I fear the time of my death will be prolonged.”
Increase in health costs
External concern—“Medical treatment is too expensive.”
Personal concern—“I am afraid of being a financial burden to others.”
Change: before the doctor decided, today the patient invokes his rights
External concern—“Doctors are restrictive when it comes to death.”
Personal concern—“I will not be able to exercise my rights over my life or death.”
Mass marketing situational ethics
External concern—”Old people are unproductive.”
Personal concern—“I am afraid I am too dependent on others.”
“Everything has its time, and everything that is loved under heaven has its hour. Time to be born, and time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,2)
Questions and answers about euthanasia
- Question: “What is the biblical position regarding euthanasia?”
Answer: One of the ten commandments in the Bible says: “You shall not kill.” (Exodus 20:13)
- Question: “Isn’t euthanasia a personal choice?”
Answer: No. Euthanasia involves the active participation and assistance of at least one other person.
“Deliver those who are led to death; save those who are in danger of death.” (Proverbs 24:11)
Key verse to memorize
“Your eyes saw my embryo, and all those things that were later formed were written in your book, without missing one of them.” (Psalms 139:16)
Key passage to read and meditate
When faced with death, value the sanctity of life
Submit to God’s perspective on the value of life. (Deuteronomy 30:19)
Accept the positive role of pain and afflictions in life. (2 Corinthians 1:5)
Notify a wise family member, pastor, doctor, or respectable Christian friend who cares about you that you need them to pray for you for divine guidance to make the right decisions. (Proverbs 16:20)
Consider all options, especially the alternative of a hospital or nursing home. (1 Timothy 5:8)
Try to consult with experts in pain management. (James 1:5)
Decide if he is taking God’s place by hastening or postponing his time of death. (Deuteronomy 32:39)
Approach God trusting in his sovereignty over all circumstances. (Psalms 135:6)
Stop to listen to the voice of God that speaks to his heart and guides you in his decisions. (Isaiah 30:20,21)
There is no place for shyness
When a friend or family member faces death, have the courage to tell him about his eternal salvation!
- First consecrate to God the time he will have to talk with the person.
- Start the conversation gently and talk about spiritual matters.
- Discuss what is most important for the person to know.
- Depend on the Holy Spirit to give you the right words at the right time.
- Assure the sick person that God loves him.
- Give him a chance to accept Christ.
Trust God to deliver the end result.
“Commit your way to the Lord, and trust in him; and he will.” (Psalms 37:5)