LITTLE ROCK — DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Our daughter has had a successful kidney transplant, and now she’s urging us to sign up as organ donors. Do you see anything wrong with this? I’ve always been told we need to respect our bodies since God gave them to us, and I’m wondering if this might be treating them with disrespect.
- N.R.
DEAR N.R.: I find nothing in the Bible to prevent you from having some of your organs removed from your body after your death and used to prolong the lives of others. Your daughter is certainly an example of its benefits.
In fact, I would encourage you to consider doing this (with thesupport of your family). Perhaps some day different methods will be developed, but for the present this is the best procedure in such cases - and far too few organs are available.
You’re right; the Bible tells us to respect our bodies and not misuse or harm them. God gave them to us, and we are to use them for His glory. The Bible says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit...? Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Allowing your organs to be used to prolong another person’s life could, I believe, bring honor to God.
Some day we’ll all die, and it’s important to think about questions like this. But the greatest preparation you can make is to be certain of your salvation by giving your life to Jesus Christ - who gave His life for you.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at
Weekend, Pages 34 on 09/30/2010