Death is a horrible thing!
13 Do not murder. Exodus 20:13
It entered into the world with sin. Sin invaded the goodness God created and broke the unity between humans and God. So when God commands us to not murder, we can understand because all of life is treasured by Him.
Murder is terrible because each human on this planet has measureless value as one of God’s image bearers. To murder someone is to destroy one of God’s representatives here on earth.
In Jesus, we understand the this command is not just physical in nature. We are not to take an actual life in the physical world or spiritual. Jesus tells us our hearts and the motive of our hearts are just as important as what we physically do. Bringing death through hate to relationships is murder. God hates death. He hates death of relationships. He hates it when we hate each other.
As Christians, we are unified in God’s Spirit. The love we have for each other is reflects the love we have for God. We are called to treat each other with kindness as members of the same team, working together to further God’s Kingdom. Any hate that breaks down that unity is murder.
What doe it mean to treat each other with kindness?
Being kind and nice are not the same thing. One is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and the other a superficial action. Being “nice” is shallow and comes from a desire to not shake things up. Niceness masks the hatred in our hearts. Jesus did not say be nice, he said be kind.
Kindness on the on the other hand is a willingness to have difficult conversations motivated by the unifying love of Christ. Kindness is the willingness and desire to heal a relationship and to be united to Him as His people. People do not bring unity to relationships. They do not hold the power to reconcile a broken relationship. Only Christ can bring unity and reconciliation. A relationship that is not unified or reconciled is the result of unforgiveness. It is a hidden motive by a heart who refuses to forgive that causes division. When we refuse to forgive and allow Christ to unify and reconcile us, we show the love for God we have.
When we love each other, we get a glimpse of the ultimate unity Jesus is going to bring when He returns to make all things new and free of hate and death forever.
There are times when deep hurt has happen. We need to forgive and use boundaries. Boundaries, when used appropriately and unselfishly, are not a form of hate. Boundaries are a form of love. They prevent further sin and hurt from being done.
Anger and hatred are two very different things. Righteous anger is the type of anger about the sin someone has done. Hate, is being angry with the sinner. Hate drives the division and desire to get even. Hate is the murderous spirit that seeks to destroy a relationship rather than moving in forgiveness to be motivated by Christ’s love to forgive and reconcile.
35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:35
21 “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire. 23 So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you’re on the way with him to the court, or your adversary will hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:21-26
Part 1: God’s Holiness Revealed
Part 2: Depending on God
Part 3: Image of God
Part 4: What is in a Name?
Part 5: Resting in God
Part 6: Lifelong Honor
Part 7: Living in Unity
Part 8: Following a Faithful God
Part 9: Work and Generosity
Part 10 Honest Justice
Part 11: Transformed Hearts
It Starts Small 
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