Tuesday, October 18, 2022

6TH COMMANDMENT

Thou shalt Thou shalt not kill.

Exodus 20:1

Inspired by the sermons of an anonymous pastor who served in ministry at Windsor Forest in the 1960’s.

The pastor writes, “At the height of His creation, God formed man out of the dust of the earth and breathed into him the breath of life. Man has been created in the image of God. God gave man power and rights over all other created things. Every life is given by God, no one has the power to give life and no one has the power to take it.”

The pastor goes on to say that murder has horrific consequences:

1. Desecrates what is holy, that life is made in the likeness of God

2. Usurps God’s prerogative, only He has the right to take a life

3. Cuts off all opportunity for the life with terrible finality

The pastor says something that helps bring this home. He says that every soul is a temple of God. In Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus takes this a bit further and says whosoever is angry with his brother without cause shall be in danger of judgment. 1 John says that whosoever hates his brother is guilty of murder and does not have eternal life living in him. God is not just concerned about murder, but he goes to the root to counter the motivation for it.

PRAYER: Lord, teach me to treat everyone with the honor due to them. You created all people, and I should respect your creation. If I have any ill feelings toward any one, teach me to forgive so that I can live at peace with everyone. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.