Calendar

THOU SHALT NOT KILL
LORD’S DAY, OCTOBER 27
1 John 3:15
Ephesians 4:26-27
 
“Be ye angry, and sin not:
let not the sun go down upon your wrath.”
 
THOU SHALT NOT KILL
 
Murder is an act that does not escape the attention of all who hear about it. Crimes related to murder are committed ever so often. The prohibition of murder is a universal law. Many nations have laws that prescribe capital punishment for murder. It is also one of the prohibitions in the Ten Commandments. It is stated in four simple words: “Thou shalt not kill” (Exod 20:13). It may sound simple, but it is difficult to obey. And its transgression has lasting consequences. John repeated this command thus, “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:15).
 
Though many understand the far-reaching implications of murder, the evil act has not stopped in human society. Such an act does not come without prior planning. The Old Testament addressed many circumstances related to murder. The Lord Jesus also addressed this commandment when He commented, “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: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire” (Matt 5:21-22). The answer to the danger of murder is to promote brotherly love. Giving heed to the exhortations of Scripture and giving priority to spiritual matters are the right ways to overcome the danger. It will help us to tame our emotions and to address differences soberly. Anger is danger.
 
THOUGHT: Walking with the Lord daily saves one from anger.
PRAYER: Lord, teach me not to allow anger to rule my life.

Search