You shall not murder.
Exodus 20:13
No human being has the right to take the life of another human being because human life is sacred. Only God has authority over life and death.
The sixth commandment may seem as dry as dust, but behind this commandment is the unfathomable love of God for each one of us. Every human being on the planet matters to God. He sent his Son to die for us. We have inestimable worth to him. He loves us. That’s why murder is so serious to our God.
This commandment not only prohibits murder, but it also prohibits suicide (self-murder), infanticide (murder of the newborn), abortion (murder of the unborn) and euthanasia (murder of the aged). In every way, God calls us to a profound respect for human life.
Then, in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus takes this commandment to a deeper level. “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire” (Matthew 5:21-22).
It’s not enough just to avoid the act of murder. God is also concerned about the attitude of anger and the words of anger. The attitude of anger and words of anger come from the same hate-filled heart that can lead to murder. Jesus tells you and me: “These are wrong too. These are unacceptable for my followers. Bring these to me and let me fill your heart with my love and forgiveness.”
Human life is sacred.