Re: A new look @the 6th commandment

The first coming and teaching of Jesus changed things as people understood and practiced them. While it made some hate him even more, it helped others to see the deeper and implied meaning of some doctrine.

One such was the sixth commandment "Thou shalt not kill"- Exodus 20:13. He taught, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time. Thou shalt not kill: and whoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say unto you, That whosoever in angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment."-Mathew 5:21-22.

Jesus here clearly equated killing with hatred. Although someone has not committed the actual killing, given the opportunity he will kill. The thing about hatred is that it's almost always directed to innocent people. Let us consider a few examples:

1.Students hate a fellow student who happens to be doing better than them.
2.Business men hate a fellow businessman who appears to be doing better than them.
3.Neighbors hate another neighbor for having his children in the States.
4.Home mates hate their own who seem to be doing better than them.
5.Family members hate their very own for doing better than them.
6.Colleagues hate their own for being promoted.
7.People try to compete with others and when they fail, they decide to hate.
8.A worker is hated by fellow workers for putting too much over time.
9.A newly wed couple is hated by others for buying a beautiful house.

Are you familiar with any of the above scenarios? Some of the above if not all almost always lead to killing. Do you know of some people who have lost their lives simplify because they appeared to be doing better than others.

The good news is that this is not happening in the house of God, or is it?

When at this subject, it might help to remember the following:

1.Joseph was sold by his own brothers instead of killing him. He suffered for many years for the crimes he never committed.
2.Daniel was cast into a den of lions because of hatred from his competitors.
3.Jesus was crucified at the cross because he made himself the messiah and claimed to be the son of God.
4.The recent chilling killing at Virginia Tech was due to hatred towards the rich.

Hatred is like cancer, which if not checked, will slowly but surely kill.

How do we deal with this problem? I wish to suggest the following:

1. The first step is to examine our hearts to see if there is at all any kind of hatred towards our perceived enemies. If yes, then we should ask for forgiveness and do the best to overcome the hatred sentiments.
2.Let us avoid the temptation of competition. Let us be ourselves and try to live a live we can afford.
3. Let us remember that we can never be so and so. God created us with different talents. Let us use that which is ours.

While some peoples hatred is manifest and comes out in many ways that can easily be detected by some if not all, other peoples hatred is hidden. I guess the question is, are you and I clean?

Just a thought.

Pr Absalom N.Birai-612-386-4608.
www.maranathadventist.org