![]() A dying person screaming in pain or weeping in loneliness in a hospital bed does not want to be told to be joyful in his suffering and indeed, he generally shouldn’t be. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).įor most people, including Christians, rejoicing in our sufferings is not easy. Romans 5:3 teaches us to “rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.” Similarly, James teaches this: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. But the Bible teaches that suffering is not necessarily something that should be avoided at all costs. In fact, in Canada, if a physician refuses to participate in euthanasia or PAS, he is legally required to refer patients to a physician who will. They wish to take away the suffering of terminally ill individuals, and they may even claim that there is a moral obligation to do so. Those who advocate euthanasia and PAS do so for largely understandable reasons. Let’s consider what the Bible might have to say about these arguments. In fact, both euthanasia and PAS are sometimes referred to as “death with dignity.” But the Bible teaches that euthanasia and PAS are actually enemies of dignity. Even though a physician intentionally ending the life of a patient was considered unthinkable for centuries, western sentiment seems to be changing. There are three primary arguments in favor of euthanasia and PAS: autonomy, minimizing pain and suffering, and the idea that there is no morally relevant difference between taking steps to hasten death and allowing the dying process to occur. Physician assisted suicide, “PAS”, is a type of voluntary euthanasia in which a doctor either intentionally provides information to a patient about how to commit suicide, or prescribes the means that allow the patient to commit suicide. Passive euthanasia involves withholding treatment with the intent to cause death. Active euthanasia involves an intentional act on the part of the physician toward a patient that causes death. One of the clauses included in the historic commitment is this: “I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody who asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect.” Those who subscribe to the oath promise to refrain from participating in two actions now known as euthanasia and physician assisted suicide.Įuthanasia is the intentional act of taking a human life for the purpose of relieving pain and suffering. Please, as Your word promises, keep them in perfect peace steady their minds and help them to trust in You (Isaiah 26:3), in Jesus’ name, amen.For centuries, physicians have adhered to the sentiment as described by the Hippocratic Oath. They are all too aware of the dangers their loved ones face. Lord, have mercy on those who must wait, trust and hope every time a first responder goes into action. Pray for the family and loved ones of first responders. “Strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for feet” (Hebrews 12:12, NASB) focus their minds and hearts and steel them against panic and fatigue, in Jesus’ name, amen.Ħ. ![]() Lord God, as You commanded Joshua, so grant that first responders everywhere may “Be strong and courageous…not be afraid…not be discouraged.” Help them to know that You will be with them wherever they go (Joshua 1:9, NIV). Give them wisdom from You, Lord, and help them in their moment of need to make timely and wise decisions, in Jesus’ name, amen. I ask for discernment on behalf of first responders, who frequently face complex situations and must make snap decisions. God, Your word says that anyone who lacks wisdom should ask You, and You will provide it. ![]() Pray for them to be wise in the discharge of their duties. Hide them in the shadow of Your wings and cover them with your feathers let Your faithfulness be their shield and rampart (see Psalm 91:14-16).Ĥ. Show Yourself strong on their behalf and be their refuge and fortress in times of danger. Give Your angels charge concerning them, to guard them in all their ways (Psalm 91:11). Father God, keep our first responders safe in every situation. ![]()
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