“You shall not murder.” – Exodus 20:13
The Command Against Murder
We see from the very beginning that God laid down clear instructions about the value of human life. The command “You shall not murder” is foundational, teaching us that every life is precious. In the New Testament, Jesus reinforces this command, calling us to a deeper understanding that goes beyond the physical act of killing to include our thoughts and attitudes toward others. This helps us recognize that it is not just about not taking a life but also about fostering love and respect for everyone around us.
Matthew 5:21-22
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” – Matthew 5:21-22
1 John 3:15
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” – 1 John 3:15
James 4:2
“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.” – James 4:2
Mark 7:21-23
“For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.” – Mark 7:21-23
John 8:44
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.” – John 8:44
Value of Human Life
Our beliefs guide us to see that life is a sacred gift from God. Killing or destroying it goes against His design. Jesus honors human life, teaching us to see each individual as created in the image of God. It reminds us to cherish one another and understand the significance of living in harmony. To kill is to overlook this intrinsic value, which should lead us to rather uplift and support one another in our daily lives.
Luke 12:6-7
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7
Matthew 10:31
“So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Matthew 10:31
Acts 17:28
“For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.'” – Acts 17:28
Revelation 2:17
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” – Revelation 2:17
Genesis 9:6
“Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.” – Genesis 9:6
Anger and the Heart
When we consider the teachings in the New Testament, we quickly realize that murder begins long before any physical action takes place. Jesus pointed out that anger and hatred in our hearts can lead us down a dangerous path. These emotions can fester and result in actions that harm others or ourselves. Knowing this, we are encouraged to manage our feelings and cultivate love and forgiveness instead of allowing anger to control us. Recognizing that our thoughts affect our actions brings us closer to kindness and peace.
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” – Colossians 3:8
Mark 3:5
“He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.” – Mark 3:5
Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” – Romans 12:19
Forgiving Others
Forgiveness is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus. We are called to forgive others, even when they have wronged us. Holding onto anger and resentment can create a cycle of negativity that can lead us away from God’s love. When we understand God’s forgiveness of us, we are naturally inclined to extend the same grace to others. By choosing forgiveness, we break the chain that leads to conflict and healing takes place, allowing us to cultivate relationships built on love and respect rather than hatred.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” – Luke 17:3-4
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'” – Matthew 18:21-22
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Consequences of Killing
Throughout the New Testament, the consequences of sin, including killing, are made clear. Apart from the physical and emotional devastation experienced by victims and their families, murder impacts the perpetrator’s life, leading to spiritual death and separation from God. Understanding the gravity of this sin helps us appreciate the value of mercy and the importance of living a life that honors God. The teachings remind us that our actions have consequences, and God desires us to choose life, love, and peace in our relationships.
Revelation 21:8
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” – Revelation 21:8
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
Galatians 5:21
“and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” – Galatians 5:21
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10
2 Corinthians 5:10
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” – 2 Corinthians 5:10
God’s Love and Mercy
Despite the severity of such acts, we can find hope in God’s love and mercy. The New Testament emphasizes that God’s desire is for all of His children to come to Him, seek forgiveness, and find redemption, regardless of the sins they have committed. This means that even those who have committed such grave acts can turn their hearts back to God and experience His boundless grace. By embracing His mercy, we become agents of love and reconciliation in our world, transforming hate and animosity into understanding and kindness.
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
1 Timothy 1:15
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” – 1 Timothy 1:15
Ephesians 2:4-5
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” – Ephesians 2:4-5
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” – Luke 23:34
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the Bible verses regarding killing in the New Testament, we see a clear message about the sanctity of life. Each verse serves to remind us to love our neighbors deeply and to be mindful of our thoughts and actions. Anger can lead to devastating consequences, which is why we are called to forgive and extend grace. Even in the face of severe wrongs, we have hope in God’s mercy. We can choose love over hate and healing over destruction. As followers of Christ, our mission is to uphold the value of life, exhibit kindness, and seek reconciliation. Let us embrace these principles every day and share that love with others.
For more insightful teachings, don’t hesitate to check out these other topics on our site: Bible Repository and Forgiving Murderers.