Sixth Commandment

Lord’s Day 40

Scripture Memory: Exodus 20:13

Q 105. What does God require in the sixth Commandment?

A. That I do not revile, hate, insult, or kill my neighbor either in thought, word, or gesture, much less in deed, whether by myself or by another,[1] but lay aside all desire of revenge;[2] moreover, that I do not harm myself, nor willfully run into any danger.[3] Wherefore also to restrain murder the magistrate is armed with the sword.[4]

[1] Gen 9:6; Lev 19:17-18; Mt 5:21-22, 26:52; [2] Prov 25:21-22; Mt 5:25, 18:35; Rom 1:19, 12:19; Eph 4:26; [3] Mt 4:7, 26:52; Rom 13:11-14; Col 2:23; [4] Gen 9:6; Ex 21:14; Mt 18:6-7; Rom 13:4

Q 106. Does this Commandment speak only of killing?

A. No, but in forbidding murder God teaches us that He abhors its very root, namely, envy,[1] hatred,[2] anger,[3] and desire of revenge; and that in His sight all these are hidden murder.[4]

[1] Rom 1:28-32; [2] 1 Jn 2:9-11; [3] Gal 5:19-21; Jas 2:13; [4] 1 Jn 3:15; Jas 1:19, 3:16

Q 107. But is this all that is required: that we do not kill our neighbor?

A. No, for in condemning envy, hatred, and anger, God requires us to love our neighbor as ourselves,[1] to show patience, peace, meekness,[2] mercy,[3] and kindness[4] toward him, and to prevent his hurt as much as possible;[5] also, to do good even unto our enemies.[6]

[1] Mt 7:12, 22:39; Rom 12:10; [2] Rom 12:18; Gal 6:1-2; Eph 4:2; [3] Mt 5:7; Lk 6:36; [4] Rom 12:10; [5] Ex 23:5; [6] Mt Mt. 5:9, 44-45; Rom 12:20-21; Col 3:12-14.

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