The Small Catechism – part 71
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Romans 12:20–21
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for a recording of today's lesson.
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: The motivation for taking care of our neighbor, including our enemies, is the fear and love of God. We help others because we understand our own need of assistance. Even if we have enough food, water, clothing, and shelter, we still need God’s compassion, his mercy, and his forgiveness. We too have been an enemy to someone: to God. Our sin put us there, our unrighteousness pitted against his holiness. Yet God was compassionate and merciful toward us. He forgave us, and made a way to justify us by means of his own righteousness (Romans 3:25-26). He has befriended us (John 15:15) and helped us in our greatest need (Romans 5:8). Since God has loved us so greatly, we too should love one another (1 John 4:11) even as he loves everyone (John 3:16).
Prayer: Thank you for your friendship, Jesus. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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