Murder is something that is recognised as being universally evil. James Smith states, "Murder is the greatest crime that we can commit against our fellow-men, and it is a crime that calls for punishment, both from God and man." While different people will argue over what is and is not murder (war, self-defense, execution, abortion, manslaughter,etc.), no one wants to be called murderer. Murderers are evil, and taking some one's life in cold blood is something that should never be done. This, of course, has not prevent murder from ever happening. wars break out and enemies kill each other. Many people have been killed in the name of hate, prejudice, intolerance, and inequality.
But murder is more than the physical act of killing someone. True murder, like every other sin, is a heart issue. While many of us have never actually killed someone, we have murdered people by the anger in our hearts. 1 John 3:15 pronounces, "Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him."
God calls us not to hate but to love. "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbour as yourself. I am the LORD" (Lev. 19:18). This includes those who have hurt and abused us. this includes everyone who has ever betrayed us or left us broken and bitter. Love is not easy, but it is absolutely necessary to surrender hate (even well-deserved hate) at the foot of the cross.
Living Life
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