Love Vs. Murder

O.T. #200  "Love Vs. Murder"
Jan. 2, 2014
Exodus 20-Part 7
Thou shalt not kill.  Exodus 20:13

LET IT GLOW

Murder seems to be ramped now days. We hear of shootings in our schools, in the workplace, even on the street. That seems to be the main topics in the newspapers and on television. Where is the love and forgiveness? Even in my neighborhood, a wife shot her husband to death because she didn't want a divorce. Does that make sense? Now their four children do not have a father and will not have a mother because of her incarceration.

In the Hebrew, kill is the word ratsach (raw-tsakh'), which means to dash in pieces; kill a human being, especially to murder; put to death; slay.

The Israelites practiced capital punishment and engaged in many wars. This commandment applies to unjustified killing, such as murder.

Some wonder how God can approve both capital punishment (Ex. 19:12) and this probation of murder. The simple answer is that in Hebrew as well as English, there is a distinction between to kill and to murder. As opposed to killing, murder is the taking of life without legal justification (execution after due process) or moral justification (killing in defense).  (David Guzik's Commentary on the Bible)

I realize that this is a controversial subject, but the Word is clear-do not intentionally kill someone.


LET IT GROW

What did Jesus say? In Matthew 5:21-22, (NIV) He said, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

It is a matter of the heart. We are not to hate someone.

We can wish someone dead in our hearts, yet never have the "courage" to commit the deed. Someone may not kill from a lack of courage or initiative, though his or her heart is filled with hatred. (Guzik)

In 1 John, we are told many times to love our brethren. We need to keep check on our heart.
They killed the prophets and our Lord Jesus, and thought they were doing the right thing. Even Paul had the early Christians killed, but they were all in the wrong.

Luke 6:37c instructs us to Forgive and you will be forgiven.
We are told to love our enemy in Luke 6:27; to bless them that curse us in Matt. 5:44.

Today we debate if euthanasia, abortion, and suicide is okay. Biblically, it is not. What is our society coming to?

LET IT GO

Don't harbor ill feelings in my heart; forgive.

Watch my attitudes toward others.

Love, love, love.