Ten

Here is a link to last week’s series, Ten.

You shall not murder.

Exodus 20:13 (NASB)

This week’s look at the Ten Commandments might seem brief and to the point: just don’t murder, right?

Well, actually there’s more to this one than many people usually think about.

To begin with, like all sin, murder begins in the heart. So, believe it or not, it would be safe to say that many people have had to deal with this sin, even though they may have never taken another human life.

How? Well, take a look at this scripture and see what you think.

Everyone who hates his brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.

1 John 3:15

Do you think that sounds harsh? Perhaps the verse isn’t literal. Actually, it means exactly what it says. When you consider how precious every life is to God, you, as a child of God, can know this.

That’s why when you disdain other people, either with a haughty look, or a disparaging remark you have sinned against God. Every person is made in God’s image. (Genesis 1:27) It does not matter how messy someone’s life is. Worth is not determined by earthly values. (Matthew 15:19)

More to our point, when anger and animosity cause you to regard hatred or bitter wrath in your soul for another person, then you have actually murdered them in your heart.

And consider this. The real expression of such explosive rage is rebellion against God.

Psalm 51:4 says it best.

Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight…

Of course, the act of murder is wicked on its own. Taking a human life is vicious. Think of the depravity that it takes to commit such an act.

Murder is not always caused by simple rage. It is caused by jealousy, obsession, pride, greed, depravity, demonic insanity and so many other sinful influences.

Now there are times when taking a life is tragic, but not sinful. Examples include self-defense, times of war, and the death penalty for the most vicious criminals when administered by a democratic society.

But as believers, when we have questions or struggles about those topics we must read the Scriptures in full. We can know what God has taught and trust His goodness.

Below are references about topics on the death penalty and other issues regarding killing.

Deuteronomy 20 (war); Romans 13:1-7 (death penalty); Exodus 21:13 & Joshua 20 (manslaughter-self-defense)

The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Job 33:4

Share the Good News in your world!

Isaiah 52:7

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.