When Did We Start Normalizing Death & Cheapening Life | A Story That Hits Too Close To Home

I remember sitting in a small coffee shop when the news broke on the TV overhead. Another shooting. Another life lost. People gasped for a moment, whispered to each other, and then… returned to sipping their lattes as though nothing happened. My heart sank. How did we come to this place where headlines of tragedy pass before our eyes like background noise?

It wasn’t always this way. Scripture tells us that every life is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Yet, somewhere along the way, society began to treat death as normal, life as disposable, and tragedy as just another scroll on a screen.

This is not how God designed us to live, and it’s not how He views us.

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How Did We Get Here?

There was a time when a community would mourn together. When neighbors carried burdens, and tears were shared openly. Now, in a culture saturated with violence, despair, and a 24/7 news cycle, it’s almost as if our hearts have grown numb.

Jesus Himself warned us about this dulling of compassion:

“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12, NIV)

That’s where we are now. Numbness, not because we don’t care, but because caring hurts. The problem is—when we grow numb, we stop valuing life the way God does.

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God’s Heart for Life

From the very beginning, God has shown us His deep care for humanity.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV)

This verse reminds us that life begins with God’s intentional love. Every person we encounter has been known by Him since before their first breath.

“You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13, ESV)

This commandment is not just about refraining from violence; it’s about honoring life as sacred. It calls us to resist anything that cheapens or disregards the value of another person.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, NIV)

Even when death surrounds us, God draws near to those who grieve. His presence proves that He does not treat death lightly, nor does He ignore our pain.

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What Jesus Showed Us

Jesus entered a world full of pain, violence, and death. Yet, He never became numb to it.

When Lazarus died, “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35, NIV)

Even though He knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead, He still shared in the sorrow of the people. His tears reveal the Father’s heart—that death is never “normal,” and grief always matters.

When Jairus’ daughter lay lifeless, Jesus said, “Do not fear, only believe.” (Mark 5:36, ESV)

His words remind us that hope and faith push back against the finality of death. With God, life is never cheapened—it is redeemed.

When speaking about His mission, Jesus declared: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10, NIV)

Death and destruction belong to the enemy. Life—abundant and eternal—is the heartbeat of Jesus’ ministry.

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Reflection: What Does This Mean for Us?

It means we don’t have to accept a culture that normalizes death. We can resist numbness. We can mourn deeply, love fiercely, and honor the sacredness of life in practical ways:

Choosing compassion over indifference.

Speaking words of hope where despair has taken root.

Standing up for the vulnerable.

Offering prayer, presence, or even just a listening ear to the grieving.

Proverbs 31:8-9 calls us to this work:

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Life is never “cheap” when seen through the eyes of God.

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Choosing a Different Way

We don’t need to harden our hearts to survive in this world. We need softer ones—hearts aligned with God’s heart. Hearts that value what He values. Hearts that recognize that every breath is a gift, every soul a treasure.

Isaiah 43:4 says:

“Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you.” (ESV)

If God sees every life as precious, we can too.

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A Gentle Invitation

If this message stirred something in your heart, you’re not alone. Together, we can push back against the numbness of our age. You can join in this mission simply by praying for softened hearts, sharing words of hope, encouraging others, or supporting ministries that lift up the value of life.

Your presence matters. Your prayers matter. Your encouragement matters.

We are not just individuals scattered in the dark—we are a community shining light together.

May we never normalize death or cheapen life, but instead live as people who reflect the heart of Jesus, who wept, who healed, and who came to give us life.