The sixth commandment is not just a prohibition of murder.
If looks could kill, many would kill with a look.
If murder can be committed by cutting words, many are guilty.
Indeed Jesus said that to be angry with someone without a cause, and to be insulting, are just as serious, while John draws the right conclusion when he writes, ‘Any one who hates his brother is a murderer’.
Every loss of temper, every outburst of uncontrolled passion, every stirring of sullen rage, every bitter resentment and thirsting for revenge-all these things are murder.
We can kill by malicious gossip.
We can kill by studied neglect and cruelty.
We can kill by spite and jealousy.
We have probably all done so.
To preview more of the content of John Stott's book (from which this material originates), please click on this link, then click on the title "Basic Christianity".
