What’s on your “to-not-do” list today?
You shall not murder. Exodus 20:13
Lord God,
Thank you for placing these verses
in Exodus in front of me
and the accompanying Heidelberg catechism question and answer 105:
What does God require in the sixth commandment?
“I am not
to belittle,
hate,
insult,
or kill my neighbor,
not by
my thoughts,
my words,
my look,
my gesture,
and certainly not
by actual deeds.
I am not
to be party to this
in others.
I am to put away
all desires for revenge.”
It’s sobering to read these words, Lord,
to be faced with how many ways
we murder our neighbor
every single day all throughout the day.
We cry out, “Wretched people that we are!
Who will deliver us from this body of death?”
“Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord….
There is therefore now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 7:24, 8:1).
Draw us to quick repentance, Lord,
when we murder our neighbor.
By your transforming Spirit,
change us into people
who “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly”
with you and with others (Micah 6:2).
Help us to “love one another”
and to “outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10).
In your forgiving name. Amen.
Read Leviticus 19:1; Exodus 20:1-17; Matthew 5:21-22.
