What This Command Is Saying to Us

"You shall not murder."

Exodus 20:13

Here are four examples of taking the life of another person that are clearly forbidden in the sixth commandment.

Murder—Taking the life of your neighbour. One day you may come to the unimaginable conclusion that murder is not beyond you. An injury can be so great, and the desire for revenge so strong, that you feel you have the right to exercise justice and take another life. But God says, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay” (Rom. 12:19).

Abortion—Taking the life of an unborn neighbour. God has an active relationship with the developing life of an unborn child in the womb. In the Psalms, David says, “My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret… Your eyes saw my unformed substance” (139:15-16). An unborn child is not a potential life; it is a life with all kinds of potential.

Euthanasia—Taking the life of an elderly neighbour. There is a huge difference between sustaining a life that has been taken by God and taking a life that is being sustained by God. Discerning that line can be horribly difficult. But knowing that there is a line is crucially important. We are not to sustain a life God has taken, nor take a life God is sustaining. You are in no position to say that a life God gives is not worth living.

Suicide—Taking your own life. You may feel very low today. The thought of taking your own life has crossed your mind. But this life is not yours to take. It is the gift of God and He has given it to you as a steward. You are a trustee, not an owner. You may feel that even those who love you would be better off without you. It’s not true. God has given you life. God wants you here.

Which of these is hardest for you to accept? Why?