“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 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 5:21-22, KJV)

REFLECTING GOD’S LOVE: THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT

The sixth commandment calls us to honor the sanctity of life by rejecting murder in all its forms, from physical acts to inner attitudes of anger and hatred, while embracing love, forgiveness, and reconciliation to reflect God’s character in our relationships and community, as illuminated through Scripture and the insights of Ellen G. White.

COMMANDMENT’S BOLD BEGINNING

The sixth commandment, “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13, KJV), transcends the act of taking life and delves into the essence of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It underscores the sanctity of life and calls humanity to reflect God’s character in their relationships. God commands that he that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death (Exodus 21:12, KJV), emphasizing justice without personal vengeance. Humanity must not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord (Leviticus 19:18, KJV). Ellen G. White explained, “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth was a provision in the laws given through Moses; but it was a civil statute. None were justified in avenging themselves” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 109, 1896). God reveals through His word that whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him (1 John 3:15, KJV), while if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you (Matthew 6:14, KJV). Sr. White elaborates, “The Saviour’s words revealed to His hearers the fact that, while they were condemning others as transgressors, they were themselves equally guilty; for they were cherishing malice and hatred” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 212, 1905). She further notes, “All acts of injustice that tend to shorten life; the spirit of hatred and revenge, or the indulgence of any passion that leads to injurious acts toward others, or causes us even to wish them harm (for ‘whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer’); a self-centeredness that leads to carelessness of others,—all these are, to a greater or less degree, violations of the sixth commandment” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 308, 1890). This principle guides personal and societal conduct, urging us to embrace divine love and reject vengeance. How does the sixth commandment reflect a foundation rooted in love?

LOVE’S LEGENDARY LINK

The sixth commandment reflects God’s profound love for humanity. It seeks to establish compassion, selflessness, and unity as foundations of human interactions. Romans 13:10 declares, “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” God instructs that if a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them (Leviticus 20:13, KJV), showing boundaries for life-preserving conduct. Humanity learns that a new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another (John 13:34, KJV). Sr. White adds, “Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant this love… that the King of glory became one with us” (The Desire of Ages, p. 638, 1898). God teaches through His word that be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath (Ephesians 4:26, KJV), and let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19, KJV). Sr. White emphasizes, “True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. It is, on the contrary, an element calm and deep. It looks beyond mere externals, and is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating, and its devotion is real and abiding” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 133, 1871). She also writes, “The exercise of force is contrary to the principles of God’s government; He desires only the service of love; and love cannot be commanded; it cannot be won by force or authority. Only by love is love awakened” (The Desire of Ages, p. 22, 1898). These teachings call us to embody God’s sacrificial love, valuing every life and promoting peace. How do our responsibilities to God shape this love in action?

Our relationship with God demands reverence, obedience, and a commitment to reflect His love. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV) reminds us that love for God is shown through faithful living. God declares that ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matthew 5:43-44, KJV). Humanity understands that vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord (Romans 12:19, KJV). Sr. White emphasizes, “To love Him, the infinite, the omniscient One, with the whole strength, mind, and heart, means the highest development of every power” (Education, p. 18, 1903). Scripture shows that therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift (Matthew 5:23-24, KJV), while death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21, KJV). Sr. White explains, “It is a sin to cherish anger against any one” (Southern Watchman, January 1, 1903, par. 1). She further states, “Christ sees that little heed is paid to his instruction. His people come to him in prayer, asking favors of him, while at the same time they are cherishing hatred against their brethren, not only thinking, but speaking evil of them. God can not bless them; for they refuse to put out of the way that which causes discord and variance” (Southern Watchman, January 1, 1903, par. 7). By aligning our lives with His will, we honor His sovereignty and mirror His grace in our relationships, drawing others to Him. How do responsibilities to our neighbors extend this commitment?

Christ taught that love for our neighbors is inseparable from love for God. He said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39, KJV). God commands that if thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee (Proverbs 25:21-22, KJV). Humanity follows that repay no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men (Romans 12:17, KJV). Sr. White reinforces, “In the work of saving the lost, we are God’s helping hand” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 197, 1900). God reveals that moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother (Matthew 18:15, KJV), and let him know that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins (James 5:20, KJV). Sr. White notes, “And only as we love God supremely is it possible to love our neighbor impartially” (The Desire of Ages, p. 607, 1898). She also writes, “Love, mercy, and compassion were revealed in every act of His life; His heart went out in tender sympathy to the children of men” (Steps to Christ, p. 11, 1892). Acts of kindness and service, even toward enemies, reflect the love of Christ. This spirit of compassion fulfills the law and transforms lives. How does addressing inner attitudes deepen this compassion?

INNER ATTITUDE’S INTENSE INSIGHT

Jesus expanded the sixth commandment by addressing the heart’s attitudes. In Matthew 5:21-22, He warned against anger and contempt, equating them with murder. God teaches that a man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow (Proverbs 25:18, KJV). Humanity recognizes that for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh (Matthew 12:34, KJV). Sr. White wrote, “The spirit of hatred and revenge originated with Satan… Whoever cherishes malice or unkindness is cherishing the same spirit” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, pp. 86, 89, 1896). Scripture affirms that but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:15, KJV), while but I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you (Luke 6:27, KJV). Sr. White elaborates, “Those who are quick to censure others, who speak words that cut and bruise the already wounded soul, are doing Satan’s work, and are laborers with the prince of darkness” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 611, 1889). She further states, “The first time the temptation comes, meet it in such a decided manner that it will never be repeated” (Messages to Young People, p. 81, 1930). This teaching emphasizes inner transformation, reminding us that true obedience begins with a heart filled with love and forgiveness, rejecting destructive emotions. How does reflecting God’s love in action bring this to fruition?

LOVE’S LUMINOUS LEGACY

How does the sixth commandment reflect God’s love? It reveals His desire for reconciliation and unity, urging us to extend mercy rather than judgment. God declares that therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV). Humanity embraces that and all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8, KJV). Sr. White noted, “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898). This profound truth shows God’s sacrificial love, calling us to love others unconditionally. Scripture teaches that for if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you (Matthew 6:14, KJV), while be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful (Luke 6:36, KJV). Sr. White explains, “In all your temporal concerns, in all your cares and anxieties, wait upon the Lord” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 698, 1868). She also writes, “Grace, like an angel of mercy, makes his voice heard sweet and clear, repeating the story of the cross, the matchless love of Jesus” (The Upward Look, p. 15, 1982). By living this commandment, we affirm the value of every life and become instruments of His peace and healing in a divided world. How does the sixth commandment serve as a divine call to action?

ACTION’S AWESOME APPEAL

The sixth commandment is a divine call to action, urging us to preserve life, foster reconciliation, and embody God’s love. It challenges us to align our thoughts, words, and actions with His will, reflecting His grace in all we do. God commands that thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him (Leviticus 19:17, KJV). Humanity follows that for if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live (Romans 8:13, KJV). As we embrace its principles, we fulfill God’s purpose for humanity, becoming a light in the darkness and a testament to His unending love. Scripture reveals that blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9, KJV), while he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked (1 John 2:6, KJV). Sr. White states, “It is Satan’s constant effort to misrepresent the character of God, the nature of sin, and the real issues at stake in the great controversy” (The Great Controversy, p. 591, 1911). She further notes, “Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing” (The Desire of Ages, p. 330, 1898).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I delve deeper into the sixth commandment’s truths in my personal devotional life, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these themes on love, forgiveness, and rejecting hatred to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned community members to new seekers, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about the sixth commandment in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of peace and reconciliation, living out the commandment’s call to embody God’s love and reject vengeance?