13. Respect the Gift of Life
1 RESPECT THE GIFT OF LIFE
“With you is the source of life.”—Psalm 36:9
How do we show respect for life?
-
Life is a gift from Jehovah, and we should treat it with respect.
Exodus 21:22, 23; Deuteronomy 5:17
Murder and abortion are wrong.
-
Hatred is wrong.
-
Avoid unclean habits, such as smoking and drug abuse.
-
Avoid violent entertainment and sports.
2 LIFE AND BLOOD
“For the life of every sort of flesh is its blood, because the life is in it.”—Leviticus 17:14
What is God’s view of life and blood?
Genesis 4:10; Deuteronomy 12:23
Blood represents life.
-
We may eat meat but not blood.
-
God’s command to abstain from blood includes blood used in medical treatment.
-
Our relationship with Jehovah is the most important thing in our life.
3 THE USES OF BLOOD JEHOVAH ALLOWED
“The blood of Jesus . . . cleanses us from all sin.”—1 John 1:7
What does Jesus’ sacrifice make possible for us?
-
In Bible times, when the Israelites sinned, they could ask for Jehovah’s forgiveness by sacrificing an animal and asking the priest to pour some of its blood on the altar.
Matthew 20:28; Hebrews 9:11-14
When Jesus came to earth, he replaced the law on animal sacrifices by giving his life, or blood, for the forgiveness of our sins.
-
Jesus’ life was so valuable that after Jehovah resurrected Jesus to heaven, Jehovah gave all humans who exercise faith in Jesus the opportunity to live forever.