DO NOT MURDER: RESPECT GOD, RESPECT LIFE
Why did God give us the Ten Commandments? To show us how to worship Him. When we respond rightly to who God is and obey His commands, we demonstrate our love for Him.
The sixth commandment says, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). Many of us would quickly say we’ve never broken this command. After all, the only things we’ve killed are pests or insects in our homes. We naturally condemn murderers and abhor violence.
Yet even if we don’t always notice it, thousands of murders happen every day—in our country and around the world. There are also many cases of suicide. And beyond what makes headlines, there are millions of unborn lives lost each year through abortion. This reminds us that life is deeply valuable and must never be treated lightly. God’s command calls us to respect Him by respecting life.
The Bible uses different words related to killing, but in Exodus 20:13, the word used refers specifically to murder—the unlawful and sinful taking of innocent human life.
Some may ask: Doesn’t God Himself judge and take life? Scripture shows that when God executes judgment, it is never unjust. He is the Giver and rightful Owner of life. His actions are always righteous. At the same time, He is compassionate and gracious—as seen in His mercy toward Nineveh, where He cared deeply for its people and even its animals.
RESPECT GOD
God is the Giver of Life
God formed man and breathed life into him (Genesis 2:7). Every breath we take comes from Him (Acts 17:25, 28). We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13–14). Life is sacred because it comes from God.
God forbids murder
Because we are made in His image (imago Dei), every human life has inherent value (Genesis 9:6). God hates the shedding of innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16–19). While there are systems of justice for wrongdoing, we can trust that God is perfectly just—no one ultimately escapes His judgment.
To respect God is to respect the life He has given.
RESPECT LIFE
Murder begins in the heart
The first murder in Scripture was committed by Cain against his brother Abel (Genesis 4:8). Cain’s anger and unchecked sin led to violence. God warned him, but he refused to master the sin within him. Jesus later raised the standard even higher: anger itself can make us guilty (Matthew 5:21–22). Hatred toward others is likened to murder (1 John 3:15). Sin begins in the heart (Mark 7:20–22).
Before hands shed blood, the heart has already drawn the knife.
Murder is not just an act—it is a condition of the heart.
How does this show up in our lives?
Unrighteous anger
Simmering resentment
Explosive temper
Refusing reconciliation
Silent hostility
Wishing harm on others
Hatred
Bitterness
Unforgiveness
Prejudice
Personal vendettas
Taking pleasure in others’ suffering
Verbal destruction
Insults meant to humiliate
Character assassination
Slander
Gossip that ruins reputations
Public shaming
Dehumanizing language
If words could kill, many of us would have deeply wounded or “destroyed” others—family members, friends, even ourselves. Anger and bitterness ripple outward and affect many lives.
We see this in the life of David. His sins—adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah—brought lasting consequences to his family and nation.
HOW DO WE TURN AWAY FROM THIS?
Live with purpose and love
Transformation begins when we encounter Jesus. Consider the apostle Paul, who once approved of violence (Acts 8:1). After meeting Christ, his life was radically changed. He became a messenger of the gospel to the nations (Acts 9:15). Paul understood his purpose—to live for Christ and glorify Him (Philippians 1:21). When we understand our purpose, we begin to live differently.
GIVE LIFE
If we truly respect God and the life He gives, we must become people who give life to others.
God calls us to “choose life” by loving Him, obeying Him, and holding fast to Him (Deuteronomy 30:19–20). We are called to forgive, just as Jesus forgave—even in the face of suffering (Luke 23:34; 1 Peter 2:22–23).
Through Jesus, we receive forgiveness and redemption (Ephesians 1:7–8). While the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus came to give abundant life (John 10:10). God desires that people would live and not perish (Ezekiel 18:32).
So how do we respond?
By choosing to give life—through our words, our actions, and ultimately by sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
In what practical ways do people today “commit murder” without physically taking a life, and how can we guard our hearts against this?
Can you share an example — biblical, historical, or personal — where one person’s sinful action caused long-term pain for many others? What does this teach us about the seriousness of sin?
As we “Respect God” and “Respect Life”, how do we “Give Life” to others?
PRAY CARE SHARE IN ACTION
Pray for the motives and attitudes in the hearts of people in your sphere of influence to be turned towards respecting God and life.
Set an example of someone who does that in the way you live out God’s purpose for you. Give life to others by sharing the Giver of life — Jesus Christ!