Exodus 20:13

13         “You shall not murder.

The Sixth Commandment

Simple command, right? Don’t kill anyone. It sounds so obvious in our world today, but killing another person was offensive to God for you are killing a reflection of who God is. There are verses in the Bible that describe the harsh consequences for those that murder. Let’s look at how this command impacted the Israelites.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: How do you feel about murder in any circumstance?

Our World is Very Angry

As I mentioned, this is all about the sanctity of human life, which is a representation of God’s image. The Hebrew word used here is “ratsach,” which changes things. It specifically refers to unlawful killing. Killing in war or capital punishment was allowed under specific circumstances (see Numbers 35:19-21). You couldn’t kill for any reason outside of these circumstances.

In ancient Israelite culture, the concept of this commandment was to protect the community through establishing a legal and moral framework that valued life and discouraged any acts of violence. Through Scripture, God calls His children to uphold justice and protect the innocent. God wants to have us respect and preserve life.

The goal of this commandment was to remove and discourage the reckless endangerment of life. We need this reminder today. We need this reminder that our goal shouldn’t be to murder out of revenge, anger, or turmoil. We need this reminder that murder should be an absolute last resort, if at all. We need to remind ourselves that violence – especially lethal force – should never be driven by revenge or rage and, if used at all, only in the rarest situations to truly protect life. Our goal as a Christian is to uphold justice and protect the innocent. To live in a world where people are innocent until proven guilty. To live in a world where people are not stereotyped into being charged with a crime. To live in a world where racism and bias doesn’t charge our thoughts, words, and actions. To live in a world where we can stand up for each other instead of attacking each other.

Our world is a very hostile place right now, both personally and globally. People are on edge for all sorts of reasons. People are looking for a fight, especially with the rage-baiting culture that’s taken stage. Our goal is to have communication. Our goal is to be able to agree-to-disagree without bullying, name-calling, or slandering a person’s character. Our goal is to be able to have respect for each other, even if we can’t see eye-to-eye. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, as long as it’s not causing harm to themselves or others. Part of not ‘murdering’ our neighbor is refusing to use our words, votes, or power to participate in harm that strips others of safety or dignity. When it does, we are called to talk with them, express our concerns with love and care about how they position call harm, and leave them to think it over and walk with them through their journey. We cannot force someone to change their minds. We cannot force someone to recognize their words. We can only work to share the concern and hope for a change. If the change doesn’t come, then we can go and live out those changes in the best way we can.

We are human. We are not perfect. We are ever-growing, ever-learning, ever-changing in a culture that’s running faster than we can process. I know this can seem like a big task, but Jesus helps simplify this a little bit for us in Matthew 5:21-22.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: How do you handle anger? How can you work to control your anger through God’s love?

Jesus’ Call to Love

21         “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be answerable to the court.’

22         But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into fiery hell.

What I take away from the words of Christ is that our intent behind our actions needs to be checked above everything. With God, our heart posture is what matters more. Our actions are often a reaction to our emotions, and our emotions often are a response to our whether or not our boundaries were respected or crossed. The teachings of God ask for forgiveness of all people. To forgive others as God forgives us. To accept the imperfections of others, and to work to set the boundaries needed for people and work to reconcile any relationships possible. The goal with Christ is always love and compassion, and when we start to lose that – we start to lose the original goal of God’s plan for creation.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: How can you shift your mind from anger to God’s peace and calm?

Next part: Why Adultery Violates Marriage Commitments || I Command You || Part 7