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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism
The Fifth Commandment
You shall not kill.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do our neighbors no bodily harm nor cause them any suffering, but help and befriend them in every need.
Pulling It Together: In case you think Luther takes his explanation of the Fifth Commandment too far, consider Jesus. The catechism explains not killing in terms of fighting and of being a caring friend to our neighbors. The gospel takes it further. You are not to murder, yes, but you are not to be angry with your neighbor or even resort to name-calling and insults. The one who does is subject to damnation.
Prayer: Guard my lips, O Lord, and my spirit. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
Combining the message of salvation in Christ with personal witness, The Gospel in Miniature is a Lutheran guide for evangelism.
