In Defense of Life:
The Jews clearly understood that God's commandment not to kill refers to murder-the mailcious taking of human life. It doesn't forbid governments to use the death penalty or to wage war. This commandment deals solely with private morality.
Exodus 20:13 is based on the divine truth that human life is sacred and that we must protect and preserve it. Every human being bears God's image. Even the embryo is marked with a unique identity from the moment of conception. Life is God's most precious gift, and only He has the right to take it. Abortion, euthanasia, and physician-assisted suicide must all be viewed in the light of God's right to our life.
Jesus brought this commandment to everyone's doorstep when He said that to be angry at someone without cause makes us guilty of murder (Matthew 5:21-22). And John wrote, "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer" (1 John 3:15). This makes us all murderers in desperate need of God's forgiveness and mercy.
Thank You, Lord, for Your love and forgiveness. Help us by Your Holy Spirit to love others as You have loved us, and in so doing to value life, protect life, and enrich life as a gift from You.-Dennis De Haan
Points To Ponder:
What did John mean when he said that if we hate someone we are murderers? (1 John 3:15). How does this truth help us to forgive those who hurt us?
Anger is just one letter short of danger.
*I do not agree with the statement that we all are murderers, but I do understand the point of the writer. I have stated before that all Envy, Gossip, Slander, Negative words against anyone is hate and a form of murder to slay the life or aspects (positive) about a person for self. I have talked of this concept in recent blogs before I saw this. Anyway...
Posted By: WILLIAM W. HEMMANS III
Monday, January 23rd 2006 at 5:30PM
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