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Life is Precious

You shall not murder. Exodus 20:13 ESV

לֹ֥֖א תִּֿרְצָֽ֖ח

All life is precious to God

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! Psalm 139:17 NLT

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 NLT

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 NLT

Don’t take someone’s life unless you are protecting life

Don’t waste your life

How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. James 4:14 NLT

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:16 NLT

Don’t destroy someone’s life

The tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21 NLT

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. Proverbs 15:28 NLT

Don’t speak evil against each other. James 4:11 NLT

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37 NIV

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 ESV

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:13 NLT

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. James 4:17 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a few minutes to slow down, offering to Jesus any burdens from your day. Invite God into this time, asking Him to help you be real with yourself and Him right now. Consider how precious your life is to God. What feelings come up for you? What aspects of your life prevent you from seeing your life the way God sees your life? Ask God to show you how He sees your life, and how He sees its value. To what extent do you agree with God? Ask Him to help you see others the same way He sees them–even (and especially!) those you disagree or don’t connect with. Finally, ask God to show you any areas where you might be using your life to destroy rather than build. Where are your words, action or inaction leading to devaluing rather than valuing life? Confess these to God, asking Him to give you His vision for your life and show you how you can use your gifts and talents to serve Him in a more life-giving way. Thank God for this time together, writing your reflections in the space below and sharing with your group if you feel comfortable.

Discussion Questions

  1. START WITH SCRIPTURE: What does God have to say about: your worth? His attention to detail with humanity? How to live a full life? Have someone read Psalm 139 NLT, slowly and out loud (consider reading it twice). (NOTE: Even though the Psalmist talks about “hating God’s enemies”, he follows this up with a confession by asking God to search his heart, admitting that he may be wrong in his hatred.)
  2. REAL WITH OTHERS: If someone were to ask you, “How has following God made your life better?” how would you respond?
  3. REAL WITH SELF: Read Ephesians 5:16 NLT. Your life is precious and finite. If you were to dream a bit and could live your most impactful life for God, what would you do?
  4. REAL WITH GOD: When you consider how precious your life is to God, how does this knowledge combat your inner critic, your shame, guilt, depression, or anxiety?
  5. TAKE ACTION: Read Psalm 19:14 ESV. When you examine the nature of your words (whether spoken or posted on social media), what percentage of them are life-giving vs. tearing down? Are there any practical steps that could help you be more life-giving with your words (such as building people up, protecting those who need it, etc.)?