Insights in the Sixth Commandment
“Thou shalt not kill.” Exodus 20:13
The sixth commandment requires little explanation. People are the most valuable of God’s creation. The fact that we are made in the very image of God distinguishes us from all other living creatures. Human life from the moment of conception to the day of one’s death is precious!
“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Genesis 9:6).
This commandment speaks against doing anything injurious to the health and life of our own bodies or of others unjustly. The heart of this commandment is spoken to in the New Testament:
“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” (I John 3:15).
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment…”(Matthew 5:21-22).
“If looks could kill…” Though a phrase often used in jesting; it has more truth than any of us care to admit. The violation of this command is not just in the action of killing itself, but it starts in the heart attitude toward others.
The heart attitude has unfortunately led our culture to a civilized and sophisticated mass murder in the forms of abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicides.
How this must pain the heart of our Creator!
“The First Murder”
Insights & Bible Stories Index
