Today’s Bible Verses:
Exodus 20:13 ESV

“You shall not murder.”

In the heart of the Ten Commandments, God's command, "You shall not murder," speaks with resounding clarity. It's a call to honor the sanctity of human life, a reflection of the divine image in which we are created.

This commandment extends beyond the physical act of taking a life. It calls us to examine the ways we might harm others with our words, actions, or even our neglect. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, deepens this understanding, stating that even anger and hatred toward a brother or sister are violations of this commandment.

We believe all people are sinners, fallen short of God's glory. We're prone to anger, jealousy, and resentment. These emotions can fester and lead to destructive behavior, even if we don't physically harm someone.

Therefore, the Sixth Commandment calls us to repent and renew our commitment to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. This means seeking forgiveness for the ways we've harmed others and striving to live in peace and harmony with those around us.

(This weekend in church, we begin a five-part sermon series called “That Means What?” looking at some of the commandments. I hope you can join us.)

PRAYERS

Keep in Your Prayers:

1. All people dealing with cancer

2. Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

A Prayer for Today:

Heavenly Father, I confess I’ve fallen short of your command to love my neighbor. I have harbored anger, resentment, and hatred in my heart. Forgive me, Lord, and help me to live in peace with those around me. Grant me the courage to show Your love in the world. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Luther’s Morning Prayer:

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

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A Song for Today