Fifth Commandment

   “Thou shalt not kill.” (Exodus 20:13, King James Version)

No, you didn’t miss anything. Last Sunday, I promised that I would give you the details on God’s Ten Commandments, and here I am, starting out with number five. If you read this blog the last two Wednesdays, you may remember that I touched on this commandment then. So it seemed to make sense to start in the middle.

You’d think it would be pretty easy to keep this law. Truly, which of us has killed another human being? Maybe if we were fighting in a war. Or, in America right now, if you were defending yourself or your loved ones from a psychopath on a shooting spree.

But what is the real meaning of this commandment? Is it just that God told us not to kill someone else and that is all there is to it?

 If anyone takes human life, he will be punished. I will punish with death any animal that takes a human life. Human beings were made like God, so whoever murders one of them will be killed by someone else. (Genesis 9:5-6 Good News Translation)

There is much more to it. God gave us the gift of life. Taking another human life is not only about committing murder, but it also includes abortion, euthanasia and suicide. God not only expects that from us, but also that we do no harm to others and we help them and support them in all their physical needs.

 Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good. (Romans 12:20-21, The Message)

What can non-believers say about that? How can anyone, in their right mind, argue that instead of helping our fellow mankind, that we harm them or kill them? Or ignore their pain and suffering when they are injured?

Every one of us breaks every one of the commandments at some time or another, including this one. But we live in a really messed up society if we think it’s okay to purposefully kill, harm, hurt or turn our backs on someone who is in pain. And, yes, we all understand that euthanasia would end the suffering of someone with a terminal illness, but then we are playing God. God tells us why we shouldn’t pretend to be Him in the first commandment, so we’ll get back to that then. (Maybe I should have started with number one.)    

I’m going to give you an assignment each week, something to get you thinking about these commandments, living them. 

This week, if you see or hear of someone in need, help them out. If a stranger on the sidewalk stumbles, catch them to keep them from falling. If you notice someone going without lunch because they don’t have any money, buy lunch for them. If you hear of someone who needs crutches after an injury, and you have an old pair in your basement, offer them.  

Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. (Proverbs 3:27, Good News Translation)