Redeemer Lutheran Church

Organ Donation

 

Although the Bible has nothing specifically to say regarding this issue, we could glean from the Apostle Paul when he writes, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). And what do we learn from Luther’s Small Catechism regarding the Fifth Commandment? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need. Therefore we could conclude that God would encourage organ donation as an act of Christian love, but this choice is entirely up to the individual and/or his or her family, and should not be a cause of guilt or regret no matter what decision is made. This is a matter of Christian freedom and personal (or family) discretion.