By reading and studying the Ten Commandments, we see that they are divided into two sections. Commandments one through four deal exclusively with our relationship with God while Commandments five through ten deal with our relationship with others. This brings up the following question: is it possible to obey Commandments five through ten without loving your neighbor? Many people would argue the following: So long as one follows the letter of the law (i.e. does not kill, commit adultery, steal, lie, etc), that it is possible. However, Jesus teaches otherwise in Matthew 22:34-40. Specifically, he teaches that obeying Commandments one through four is based on loving God with all of your being and obeying Commandments five through ten is based on loving others as oneself. In short, the keeping of these commandments stems not from human effort, but from a loving heart that is transformed by God. For this posting, we will focus on our responsibility towards others (Commandments five through ten) and will look extensively at Commandment six (Do not Murder).
It is important to note that the Hebrew term “rasah” meaning “murder” is mentioned forty-seven times in the Old Testament. In every instance, except one, it is used in reference to a person killing another human being (Currid, 47). We should also note that this word is never used for killing an animal, self-defense or going to war. This is the planned, premeditated taking of life. However, by looking at two additional scripture passages from the New Testament, we can see that this command has much further reaching implications than the taking of human life. In Matthew 5:21-22, our Lord Himself states the following: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment…. “. Furthermore, 1 John 3:15 states that “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer”. The reality is that if we had justice systems using the criteria set forth in scripture, we would all be in prison. Christian, the seeds of murder are hate. Murder begins in the heart. This is why guarding our heart and mind is imperative. Failure to do so allows bitterness (the state of having been wronged and then meditating on that wrong so that you come to despise that individual) to take control and rob us from our joy. To combat bitterness, we must proactively choose in our heart to love others despite their wrongdoing towards us. Husband, as Colossians 3:19 teaches, love your wife and be not harsh or bitter against her. Children, honor your parents and be not bitter against them. Christian, when it comes to completely broken relationships or ones that are less fulfilling than they should be, mourn what could have been, but (through the power of the Holy Spirit) guard your heart from the bitterness that leads to hatred…..
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