“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13)

We are continuing our study of the Ten Commandments. The first four are the “vertical” commandments, which speak to our relationship with God. The last six commandments are “horizontal,” dealing with our relationships with others. Last week the devotion was on the fifth commandment, “Culture of Honor.” Now we begin a series of “thou shalt nots.” Jesus had much to say about this sixth commandment, “Thou shalt not murder,” which was intended to protect innocent life. He teaches in Matthew 5:21-26, during his masterpiece Sermon on the Mount:

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”

We have an incentive not to murder. It is a crime against the law of the land and if we are found guilty, we will most likely serve time in prison if not receive a death sentence. However, the judicial system can only take action on our behaviors. The court system will not judge us on the condition of our hearts.

Jesus, on the other hand, is at least as concerned about our hearts. We will be called on Judgment Day to account for our motives as well as our behaviors. It is good that we do not act on a sincere desire to murder someone, but Jesus says we will be judged similarly for having hate in our hearts and for holding on to grudges and ill will and for failing to do whatever is in our power to reconcile with each other.

What is hate? Hate is an intense or passionate dislike. It can be directed toward people or places or things. Hate is usually an unhealthy emotion; however, the Bible identifies seven things that God hates. “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community” (Proverbs 6:16-19). Romans 12:9 tells us “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

Does this mean that we should hate what God hates? Franklin Graham advises: “However, as we learn to love righteousness and hate sin, we must never, ever, turn to hating our fellow man.” His advice is supported by Scripture. “Whoever hates his brother is in the darkness … and does not know where he is going” (1 John 2:11); “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer” (1 John 3:15).

Graham continues, “So while the world ratchets up its contempt and cruelty, especially toward disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are called not to return evil for evil, or insult for insult (1 Peter 3:9). Instead, we are to love our enemies and pray for those who launch attacks against us.”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighborand hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48)

Obeying the letter of this commandment is not nearly as difficult as obeying the spirit. In fact, I would go so far as to say that if everyone obeyed the spirit of this commandment, we would never experience murder. But obeying the spirit of this commandment is difficult. Sure, it is easy to love those who love us back, but Matthew 5:46 points out, what reward is there for that? Let us go out of our way to lavish love on everyone, including our enemies, and in so doing so enjoy the abundant, unmerited love the Father has for each of us.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).

^“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:8-10)

In Christ,

Judy

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14