Back to the Basics: The Sacredness of Life

Exodus 20:13

“You shall not murder.” At first glance, this seems like the simplest commandment in all scripture. Most people, on hearing it, say, “Well, I never killed anyone. So, I’m good.” However, as followers of Christ Jesus, we must understand that this commandment goes much deeper. Its true main argument is that God cares not just about our actions but about the holiness of our hearts. This commandment concerns the sanctification of our hearts, the transformation of our relationships, and the restoration of God’s image in humanity, not merely the avoidance of physical murder.

To fully grasp this commandment, let's look further back—not just to its giving at Mount Sinai, but to creation itself. Genesis 1:27 tells us, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Here, we see that every human life carries the imago Dei, the image of God. Because of this, murder is not just a crime against another person; it is an assault against God himself.

Sin distorts the image of God in us. Grace restores it. Harming another person defaces what God is restoring. Hating another person resists God’s grace. This command calls us to honor both what God has created and what He is redeeming.

This deeper meaning is revealed when Christ Jesus expands on it in Matthew 5:21-22: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” Jesus shifts the focus from actions to attitudes, taking the commandment from our hands and placing it in our hearts.

Understanding this, we see that murder begins long before any outward violence. It starts with bitterness, resentment, dehumanization, and unforgiveness. Yet, God’s grace can cleanse not only our actions but also our inner attitudes. This commandment means not just “I don’t kill” but “I do not harbor hatred.” God’s grace seeks internal transformation, not just external compliance.

While most people never commit physical murder, this commandment remains deeply relevant in modern life. Another application is the concept of murder in our hearts—when we hold on to hate and anger. Holding grudges, speaking contemptuously, or wishing harm on others violates the spirit of this commandment. Notice how anger can escalate: a disagreement becomes resentment, then division, and ultimately destruction. As James 1:20 reminds us, “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

Related to this, we also commit murder with our words. Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Gossip, slander, and verbal abuse can deeply harm others, destroying reputations, confidence, and hope. I know this by practical experience, from how I was treated by certain Members of my family, and I still suffer many of these effects to this day. Therefore, a holy heart enables us to speak and spread holiness.

In addition, neglect can be a form of murder. 1 John 3:17 says, “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?” Failing to offer help can be just as destructive as direct harm. Ignoring suffering or withholding compassion amounts to murder by omission. Not addressing injustice is deadly. Holiness is active love, not passivity.

Broadening the scope further, we can commit murder through the systems and cultures we participate in. Violence in society, devaluing human life, and indifference to injustice all violate this commandment. John Wesley spoke passionately against slavery, oppression, and exploitation, and the Wesleyan movement arose in large part by opposing slavery in America. 

One of the most pressing issues today is abortion on demand, which devalues what God has created. Psalm 139:13-16 speaks to this, stating: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made... Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Life is not an accident but is personally crafted and loved by God before birth. Therefore, abortion is a choice to end that life.

We must practice a lifestyle that shows that every human life has sacred worth. It will go against what society says is legal.

Sin has corrupted our love. Murder flows from distorted love. Instead of loving God supremely, we can love our neighbor selfishly. With this mindset, we love ourselves exclusively and others conditionally. Sin is not just wrong; it is misdirected love. That is why we must replace anger with compassion, pride with humility, and hatred with grace.

There is a Remedy for this: a grace that transforms the heart. The great news is that God not only commands righteousness, but he also empowers. Before we even seek God, he is already at work with us. Convicting our hearts and awakening our conscience. The discomfort we feel toward anger and hate is evidence of the grace that God is working. Through Christ Jesus, our sins are forgiven, and our guilt is removed.

We harbored hatred or caused harm, yet God forgave us. He died on the cross for these sins. But God does not stop at forgiveness; He transforms us. Anger becomes patience. Hatred becomes love. Bitterness becomes mercy. God told Ezekiel, “I will give you a new heart.”

This commandment is not just “do not kill,” but also “give life.” It says to promote life, protect life, value life, speak life, and restore life. Christ Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life…” Holiness equals love and action. True holiness is not merely avoiding evil, but actively doing good.

We need to live out this commandment actively today. First, examine your heart. Ask yourself, “Is there any anger I’m holding onto?” “Is there someone I’m refusing to forgive?” Ask God to help you release anything that is stopping you from living out this commandment.

Additionally, we must guard our words carefully. Before you speak, ask yourself, “What am I doing? Will it bring life or death?” Pray to God, asking him to help you speak in a way that honors him.

Also, pursue reconciliation. Before offering a gift to God, Christ Jesus said, “first go and be reconciled…” Don’t wait for a convenient moment. Don’t wait until they are ready. Take the first step.

Finally, be an agent of life. Encourage somebody who is having a hard time. Help those who are in need. Stand against injustice. Most importantly, speak the truth with love.

You may say that this is hard, but the Bible does give us a prime example of how to live this. Look at the Apostle Paul, when he was known as Saul, he once persecuted the church and was complicit in the deaths of the Saints, including Stephen. Yet when Christ Jesus got hold of his life, he became a preacher of grace and a builder of life. If God can transform the Apostle Paul, he can transform anyone, including you.

In closing, the main point today is not, “Have I murdered?” but, “Is there anything in my heart that diminishes life?” The commandment urges us to move beyond mere rule-keeping and seek a heart cleansed and transformed by love. Life is sacred because God is sacred. When God sanctifies a heart, violence gives way to peace, hatred gives way to love, and death gives way to life.

I want to invite you today. If you are holding anger, bring it to God. If you need forgiveness, receive it from God. If your heart needs cleansing, ask God for it. And it’s simple by saying a prayer like this:

“Lord, please cleanse my heart from anything that is destroying life.

Please fill me with your perfection.

 Make me an instrument of life, not harm.

In Jesus name.”