The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Removal of life support and organ donation

I debated on whether I should post this question in the Theology Forum or the Open Forum. I decided to post it here because I am looking for Biblical, theological, and Reformed articles about this subject. I hope I have not erred in placing it here.

In nearly every resource I have found when doing a search on the subject, I have only found brief statements that basically say, “the Bible does not speak to this issue” or “Most Christians consider this a form of “loving one’s neighbor”.

This is a personal issue for me because my sister was taken off life support after just two days and her organs were harvested (otherwise known as donated). This was back in 2016 and it continues to torment me. Since then I have questioned so many aspects of modern end of life care. Currently, I am my 91 year old mother’s caretaker. Thankfully, she is in fairly good health, but I realize that, as her Medical Power of attorney, I may be faced with these “choices.”

In my reading of Scripture, I understand from Acts 17, 1 Samuel 2:6, and Ps 139 (among others) that God Himself is the Creator and Giver of Life. Only He gives and it is He who takes Life.

I would greatly appreciate any recommendations for books, articles, etc. on this topic.

Thank you,
Kim

Oh, I am sorry for your loss and the weight you bear caring for your mom. There is no greater privilege than that of overseeing the care for those we love so dearly. I say this as I have born that privilege and weight myself. We must keep in mind this:
There is:

A time to be born,
and a time to die;
Ecclesiastes 3:2

Our omnipotent Almighty, only wise God has ordained the life and death of each person. As much as we might tend to second guess our decisions, like should we have done this or that, would it really have made the necessary difference in extending a person’s life? We can have this assurance, that nothing happens apart from what God has ordained to happen. All people die. And those who remain, mourn, yet we are to balance our mourning with the realization of the following:

“Always remember that, however soon and unexpected your parting with your relations was, yet your lease was expired before you lost them, and you enjoyed them every moment of the time that God intended them for you…Oh, if this had been done, or that omitted; had it not been for such miscarriages and oversights, my dear husband, wife, or child had been alive at this day! No, no, the Lord’s time was fully come, and all things concurred and fell in together to bring about the pleasure of His will. Let that satisfy you: had the ablest physicians in the world been there, or had they that were prescribed another course, as it is now so it would have been when they had done all…He who appointed the seasons of the year appointed the seasons of our comfort in our relations; and as those seasons cannot be altered, no more can these. All the course of providence is guided by an unalterable decree; what falls out casually to our apprehension yet falls out necessarily in respect of God’s appointment.”
~ John Flavel

Consider also that the organs your sister donated may have saved someone else's life. Sometimes we may learn of how they were used. I hope you find some comfort in these thoughts.

Thank you for your kind words. The Flavel quote is one I will keep and meditate upon, especially at those times when I am overcome with heartache over the circumstances of my sister’s death. She is with Christ experiencing eternal joy and rest, and it comforts me to know that she loved Christ and trusted in Him by faith when she died.

Yes, it is a great privilege to care for my mother and I am so thankful I am able to be here for her.

Thanks, again,
It’s good to be here. ????

I too feel your pain and the loss of a loved one, one that has died "before their time" as we mortals sometimes say. But knowing that we live by the determinate hand and sovereign will of a mighty and all-wise God is comforting to those who have been given to know Him through Jesus Christ. Now, as to the question, "It's good to be here. ????" that is a question only you can determine. As for us, it is good that you are here for various reasons which are all good. And last,, it's been c. 1^1/2 years since you posted this and I'm wondering how your now 92 year-old mother is fairing these days? And how are YOU fairing these days? Has your burden lessened? May God comfort you and uphold you throughout your days.

In His infinite grace,

Pilgrim