"You shall not murder."
Exodus 20:13
In exploring the sixth commandment, 'You shall not murder,' we uncover a profound truth: we all have a 'killer heart.' This commandment goes far beyond physical murder, addressing the roots of anger, hatred, and devaluation of human life. Jesus expands on this in Matthew 5, equating anger and insults with murder in God's eyes. The core of this command is clear: all human life is sacred, bearing God's image. We're called to be life-givers, not life-takers, in every aspect of our lives. In this week’s Sunday Manhattan message, Pastor Ryan Schlachter invites us to value others as God does, bringing life and peace to our relationships, workplaces, and communities.
Human Life is Sacred
“And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.”
Genesis 9:5-6
- Genesis is introducing the idea that the only thing comparable to human life is human life.
- God is putting forth a standard that is not subjective in nature, but rather a universal truth that every single life of a human being has intrinsic value.
- God alone is the author of life and therefore, every thing He commands around life is meant to be honored and obeyed.
We Protect What We Value
“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; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
Matthew 5:21-22
- Here, Jesus introduces something that goes beyond just the physical act of murder, but He’s speaking to the very root of what, when fully blossomed, results in murder.
- If we value human life, then we do what we can to protect devaluing human life
- We can engage in the act of murder not just with our hands, but with our minds, tongue, and absence.
- Mind: The way we think about people through our secret judgements, resentment we build, and the forgiveness we withhold.
- Tongue: The way we speak has the power of life and death (James 3:9-10).
- Absence: Neglect or even irresponsibility, standing by, allowing evil to perpetuate and not doing whatever is in our power to bring life.
Reactions Don’t Respond
“This commandment implies that we should be so far from ruining others, that we should do all we can to preserve the lives of others.”
Thomas Watson
- God calls us to look introspectively at our hearts because anger is a secondary emotion, often masking frustration, fear, embarrassment, hurt, humiliation and rejection.
- God never tells us to not feel anger, but rather He tells us to be people that don’t get angry about the wrong things and to not be people who live in our anger.
- Ways to honor the sixth commandment:
- Acknowledge and Confess Your Anger Before God
- Slow Down & Respond Instead of Reacting
- Replace Anger with Forgiveness and Love
- Seek Reconciliation Instead of Avoidance or Revenge
- Pray for a Heart of Humility and Peace
Dinner Party Questions:
- How does understanding that all human life is sacred change the way we view and treat others, especially those we disagree with?
- How might withholding forgiveness, grace, or the gospel from others be a form of spiritual murder?
- Anger is often a secondary emotion. Can you think of a time when your anger was masking a deeper hurt or fear?
Put It Into Practice:
- This week, practice slowing down before reacting in anger. Take a moment to pray and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in your response.
- Identify one person you've been harboring resentment towards. Commit to praying for them daily and asking God to help you forgive.
