Lord’s Day 40
Q105. What does God want from you in the sixth commandment?
I must not put down, insult, hate, or kill my neighbor — not in my thoughts, my words, my looks, or my actions — and I must not go along with others who do. Instead, I must put away all desire for revenge. I must not harm or recklessly put myself in danger either. God also gave the government the power to protect people's lives.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Genesis 9:6
“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
Leviticus 19:17–18
“Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I the LORD.”
Matthew 5:21–22
“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.”
Matthew 26:52
“Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?”
Proverbs 25:21–22
“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.”
Matthew 18:35
“So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”
Romans 12:19
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Ephesians 4:26
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:”
Matthew 4:7
“Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”
Matthew 26:52
“Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?”
Romans 13:11–14
“And that, knowing the time, that now high time to awake out of sleep: for now our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to the lusts .”
Genesis 9:6
“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
Exodus 21:14
“But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.”
Romans 13:4
“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What are some of the things the sixth commandment forbids besides killing?
- 2
Why does God care about our thoughts and not just our actions?
- 3
Have you ever felt angry and wanted revenge on someone who hurt you?
Illustration
A weed in a garden starts as a tiny seed underground before it ever breaks through the soil. Hatred, insults, and cruelty are like seeds that can grow into something worse. God wants us to pull up the weed of anger before it grows.
Application
The next time you feel angry at someone, stop and pray before you say or do anything. Ask God to help you let go of the anger. Because God forbids even the root of harm, bringing your anger to him early protects both you and the other person.