“What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.” (The Small Catechism)
We think we do a pretty good job when it comes to obeying the Fifth Commandment. Have you ever heard someone respond, “Well, I’ve never killed anyone!” when questioned about their compliance with the Fifth Commandment?
The Fifth Commandment involves far more than the literal taking of a life. Granted, God does forbid the taking of any human life. Murders, suicide, abortion, genocide, lynch mobs, and any other ways of taking your neighbor’s life are indeed prohibited by God in the Fifth Commandment. However, this is only the letter of the law and not the spirit of the law.
Our Lord said, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder.’ And anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment,” (St. Matthew 5:21). There is far more to be concerned about in the Fifth Commandment than just the physical murder of our neighbor.
The heart and tongue can be two of the wickedest parts of the body. We hold in our hearts hatred, malice, deception, contempt, anger, and murderous thoughts. Often these things drift directly from our heart to our tongue. Our tongue merely verbalizes what is in our hearts.
There are also the sins of omission relating to the Fifth Commandment. The second part of Luther’s explanation to every commandment explains what we should do in order to keep the commandments. We are to help and support our neighbor in every physical need. Do we always help those in need?
The answer is an obvious “No.” There is always someone in need of our help. When we think of those in need, we often think of third world countries, but there are people in need in our own neighborhoods.
“You shall not murder.” We, the children of God, should not forget this law. We must learn to lovingly serve our neighbors. Praise be to God for granting us perfection of the Law though Jesus Christ our Lord.
“Curb anger, do not harm or kill, Hate not, repay not ill with ill. Be patient and of gentle mind, convince your foe you are kind. Have mercy, Lord!” (LW #331)
When I look at the various commandments as Jesus taught us to look at them I realize that I violate pretty much every one of them every single day. This drives me to remember my baptism and to repent and call out to the Lord for mercy each and every day! That might sound like a negative sort of faith but it is not. It is a joyous realization that our Lord loved us enough to give His own life for us even though we are so consistently sinful. Thanks be to God. Amen
I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11b
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