If the sixth commandment prohibiting murder were so narrow as to addreses only the physical act of murder, we could probably all fall asleep tonight feeling pretty good about ourselves.

But it's not that narrow, and speaking for myself, I'm one person who has run afoul of the intent and spirit of this commandment more than once.  

Why do I say that?  Because this command goes to the underlying causes of what is ultimately murder and antecedent behaviors.  I'm talking about the feelings/emotions of envy, anger and hatred and the myriad resulting effects of these causative agents.  I've been angry and envious on more than one occasion.

It is not enought to refrain from killing somebody.  What God requires is that we "nip it in the bud!" Or, stated differently, God wants us to clean house of envy, anger, and hate and the harm they can do.  These are the agents that, if sufficiently aggravated, can lead to unjustifiable killing and often lead to lesser forms of killing:  verbal ... emotional ... and/or  physical abuse.  

As we've learned over the last several sermons, with every prohibition, the commandment has an affirmative duty or obligation.  So, what is it here?  You'll find out in one of the Reformation era confessions that is referenced in our study that we'll be looking at.   

Let's do more than simply "study" this 6th commandments.  Let's live it. This week, live it out by speaking words of affirmation to others; praise somebody; act so as to lift somebody's spirit.  We are made in the image and likeness of Christ.  Jesus said, "I have come that you might have life and that you might have it more abundantly."  (John 10:10)  Let us, too, speak and act so as to give life, not take it. 

Blessings on all of you and those whom you love,

Michael