Lord’s Day 40
Q107. Is it enough just to not kill our neighbor?
No. By condemning envy, hatred, and anger, God tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to be patient, peaceful, gentle, merciful, and friendly toward them, to protect them from harm as much as we can, and to do good even to our enemies.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Matthew 7:12
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 22:39
“On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Romans 12:10
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”
Ephesians 4:1–2
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”
Galatians 6:1–2
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Matthew 5:5, 7, 9
“Blessed the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Romans 12:18
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
Luke 6:36
“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, pitiful, courteous:”
Exodus 23:4–5
“If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.”
Matthew 5:44–45
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Romans 12:20–21
“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What positive things does God command alongside "do not murder"?
- 2
Why is it not enough to simply avoid harming people?
- 3
Who is someone you could be more kind or patient with this week?
Illustration
A lifeguard does not just avoid pushing swimmers underwater. A lifeguard watches, warns, and rescues people from danger. God calls us to be more like lifeguards for the people around us. He wants us to protect and help, not just avoid doing harm.
Application
Pick one person this week and do something kind for them without being asked. It could be a sibling, a classmate, or a neighbor. Because God calls us to love actively, look for a specific way to help rather than waiting to be told.