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Matthew 5: 21-24 | King James Audio Bible | KJV | King James Version
‘Thou shalt not kill.’
The commandment is a directive from God to preserve the sanctity of human life. It prohibits the unjust taking of another person’s life and emphasizes the inherent value and dignity of every individual. The commandment encompasses both physical acts of violence leading to death, such as murder, as well as attitudes and actions that diminish the worth and well-being of others. It calls for respect, compassion, and the promotion of life in all its forms.
God, as the Creator of life, entrusts us with the responsibility to protect and cherish the lives of others, valuing the image of God in each person. The commandment is a call to promote peace, reconciliation, and the flourishing of all individuals and communities.
Ten Commandments In The Light Of Jesus Christ | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ
Jesus affirmed the commandment against killing and expanded its meaning to include not only the physical act but also the intentions and attitudes of the heart. Jesus taught that harbouring anger, hatred, or holding grudges against others is akin to committing murder in one’s heart (Matthew 5:21-22).
Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). Jesus demonstrated a radical ethic of non-violence, even in the face of unjust treatment and violence towards himself.
Jesus’ sacrificial death on the Cross for the forgiveness of sins reveals the depth of love and his desire to redeem and restore humanity. Jesus invites us to follow his example by showing mercy, forgiveness, and promoting reconciliation in our relationships.
In the light of Jesus, we are called to value the sanctity of all human life and actively to promote peace, justice and compassion in our interactions with others. We are to seek reconciliation and work towards healing broken relationships, following the path of love and forgiveness that Jesus exemplified.
‘But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.’ (Matthew 5:22, KJV)
Prayer To Jesus | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | A Choice Of Prayers
- Jesus, help me value and respect the lives of others. Keep me away from anger and violence. Fill my heart with love, compassion, and forgiveness. Guide me to promote peace and bring healing to broken relationships. Amen.
- Jesus, teach me to see the worth and dignity in every person. Show me how to treat others with kindness, gentleness, and understanding. Help me to be a source of encouragement and support to those around me. Amen.
- Jesus, I pray for an end to violence and hatred in our world. Bring healing to those affected by crime, war, and injustice. Help us work together to create a society where all lives are valued and protected. Amen.
- Jesus, when I feel anger rising within me, remind me of your commandment to not kill. Help me to respond with love, grace, and self-control. May my words and actions promote harmony and peace. Amen.
- Jesus, guard my heart against thoughts of revenge or harm towards others. Fill me with your love that seeks reconciliation and forgiveness. Help me to be a peacemaker in my family, community, and beyond. Amen.
- Jesus, I pray for those who have experienced the pain of losing a loved one to violence. Comfort them in their grief and bring healing to their hearts. Give them strength to forgive and find peace in your embrace. Amen.
- Jesus, help us build a culture that values and protects all forms of life. Guide our leaders to make decisions that promote peace, justice, and the well-being of every person. May we be agents of positive change in our communities? Amen.
- Jesus, grant me the courage to stand against any form of violence or harm. Help me to be an advocate for those who are oppressed, marginalized, or treated unjustly. Empower me to speak up for what is right and work towards a more compassionate world. Amen.
- Jesus, heal the wounds caused by violence and bring comfort to those who have been affected by it. Restore broken relationships and bring reconciliation where there is conflict. Teach us to value and protect life in all circumstances. Amen.
- Jesus, fill me with your love so that I may extend kindness and compassion to everyone I encounter. Help me to be a source of peace and understanding, shining your light in the midst of darkness. May my life reflect your commandment not to kill. Amen.
From Sin to Salvation | The Significance of Ash Wednesday and Lent | Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent, the Lenten season, and falls 46 days before Easter – which is to say 40 days plus Sundays. A day of fasting and penitence, Christians are called to acknowledge their sinfulness and repent. On Ash Wednesday, ashes are placed on the forehead of each person in the sign of the Cross as a symbol of mortality and penitence [ … ]
The purification rituals of the Jews were originally laid down, in Exodus, for the priests to perform before they offered sacrifices to God. These rules were then later extended to all Jews, to be performed before every meal. This was as there developed a greater and greater call for all Jews to be a priestly people, particularly in the light of national set-backs, which were ascribed to infidelities to God [ … ]
Then at ten-past-ten we go upstairs. Visiting teachers often prefer this space. There is natural light and fresh air. Today, we sit on chairs only, gathered around close, with no desks in the way of us. His Grace works from a flip-book. A set-piece. He sits always gently bobbing – the quiet thrill of it. The flip-book has clearly seen previous use. And big Clarks shoes and fade-to-black socks… There is a quiet examination of consciousness. I confess… Then we say a Hail Mary. Some part of what the Archbishop says to us is this: ‘What I should like to do today is to pose to you possibly the most important question, which is this: How can we ready ourselves for the experience of Easter? [ … ]
