GOD VALUES LIFE
God creates life, and uniquely forms each individual in the womb. He determines the number of days ordained for each one of us before we live any of them out. God values and sustains life.
The fifth commandment tells us not to murder another person. Life and death are in God’s hands. No one has the right to take the life God has given.
Governments are given authority by God to exercise capital punishment in response to serious crime, and God allows for wars and self defense. But those provisions are intended to preserve life–to protect society. Beyond those issues, individuals are not given the right to take the life of another person. When someone wrongs us, rather than take revenge, we can trust vengeance to God (Deuteronomy 32:35, and Romans 12:19).
It’s easy to think we do okay on this one. After all, we probably haven’t actually murdered anyone, and don’t intend to. We may enjoy reading a murder mystery for entertainment, but wouldn’t really carry out a murderous act. However, before we get too comfortable with our own innocence concerning this commandment, we should consider the rest of what the Bible teaches. Jesus expanded our understanding of murder to include holding anger in our heart toward someone. “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. . . ” (Matthew 5:21-22 NIV).
How we treat others is important to God. When Jesus expounds on the commandment not to murder, He makes clear that what is in our hearts matters. It is not enough to refrain from strangling someone we may despise. God wants us to learn not to despise them, and to pray for them. To show contempt for people is to show contempt for their Creator. God hates sin, but God loves people–all people. He desires we treat others with dignity.
God’s overall commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves. God’s heart wants us to care for others–even strangers. He does not want us to murder another’s reputation by slander or gossip (Leviticus 19:9-18). Jesus tells us to love our enemies. The difficult, surly, unpleasant people we may encounter need Jesus in their lives. We love people by helping them turn to Him.
God values life. So should we. Instead of being angry or frustrated with people, what if we showed love to people by pointing them to Jesus so they can find saving faith?
God takes sin seriously. We all fall short of His’s perfect standard. But God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sin. Jesus took the punishment for our sin (Romans 2:23-24). We find forgiveness, whatever we have done, even murder, when we turn away from the sin and turn to Him in faith (1 John 1:9). Jesus died, so we could live.
God wants us to enjoy life. He wants us to encourage life, not end it. He wants us to enjoy the full abundant life that comes from being in right relationship with Him. And, how will the difficult people in our lives hear the gospel if we don’t tell them? Coming to know Jesus as Lord and Savior is the only hope for anyone. Knowing Jesus brings life.
You shall not murder. Exodus 20:13 NIV
I would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
© 2026 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image courtesy of Pixabay
Very good again. Agree totally.
Thanks, George, for your kind remarks.
Thanks for your thoughts. It is vital to stay in constant contact with God, and continually ask for the ability to treat others the way He wants me to.
Thanks, Joni. You are right. We need God’s guidance moment by moment.