Reflection Task

Euthanasia

Introduction

Euthanasia is not a simple issue. On one hand, no one would wish to sit by and watch someone suffer for years with an agonising disease that you cannot cure. On the other hand, there are a lot of individuals, myself included, who feel that intentionally killing someone is wrong, especially those individuals who hold strong religious beliefs. So where do we draw the line?

The Affirmative

Some argue that individuals facing terminal illness and unbearable suffering should have the right to choose a dignified death. They see it as cruel, not compassionate, to force someone to endure pain when there is no hope of recovery. After all, if we euthanize suffering animals to spare them agony, why shouldn’t humans be shown the same mercy?

The Bible supports this perspective in several ways. In Matthew 9:35-36, we see Jesus’ deep compassion for those who were suffering: "Jesus went through all the towns and villages... healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless." This suggests that relieving suffering is a Christ-like act. Similarly, Micah 6:8 calls us to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." If mercy means ending needless pain, then euthanasia—in extreme cases—could be seen as an act of love rather than a sin. Even Matthew 14:14 reinforces this idea, showing Jesus’ immediate response to human suffering: "When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick."

The Negative

Others strongly disagree, believing that life is a sacred gift from God and that humans should not decide when it ends. Exodus 20:13 clearly states, "You shall not murder," and many argue that euthanasia violates this commandment. There is also fear that legalizing euthanasia could lead to abuse—what if vulnerable people feel pressured to die because they are old, disabled, or don’t want to burden their families?

Scripture reinforces this view as well. Genesis 1:27 declares that humans are made "in the image of God," giving every life inherent value. 1 Samuel 2:6 reminds us that "The Lord brings death and makes alive"—meaning life and death are in God’s hands, not ours. Instead of euthanasia, this side advocates for better pain management and hospice care, believing that even in suffering, life has purpose.

My Opinion

Honestly, I see truth in both perspectives. There are heartbreaking cases where euthanasia seems like the kindest option, when a person is trapped in unrelenting, untreatable pain with no hope of recovery. Yet, I also worry about the slippery slope: if we normalize ending life for suffering, where does it stop?

As a Christian, I believe life is sacred (Psalm 34:18—"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit"), but I also believe in mercy. Ecclesiastes 3:2 tells us there is "a time to be born and a time to die," which makes me wonder—does extreme suffering alter that timing? Maybe the answer isn’t a simple "yes" or "no" to euthanasia, but a commitment to better care for the dying so that no one feels death is their only escape from pain.

Conclusion

Euthanasia is a sad issue because it forces us to choose between two bad options, letting someone suffer or killing them. Instead of simply debating whether euthanasia can be allowed, maybe we should be busy trying to make no one need to suffer at all. Better pain management, counseling, and spiritual guidance may make euthanasia "unnecessary" in the first place. At the end of the day, this isn't about laws, it's about how we treat individuals in their most difficult times. And that's something we should all want to care about.