How does this verse connect to the commandment "You shall not murder"? The Verse in Focus 1 John 3:15: “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not abide in a murderer.” Original Command Revisited Exodus 20:13: “You shall not murder.” Why Hatred Equals Murder in God’s Sight • Murder germinates in the heart long before blood is shed (Matthew 15:19). • Hatred treats an image-bearer of God as disposable, the same impulse that fuels physical violence (Genesis 9:6). • By equating hatred with murder, Scripture exposes sin at its root rather than merely its outward act. Jesus Deepens the Sixth Commandment Matthew 5:21-22: “You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” • Jesus affirms the prohibition yet traces it back to anger and contempt. • Even derisive words (“Raca,” “You fool”) reveal a murderous disregard for life. How 1 John 3:15 Connects the Dots • John echoes Christ: harboring hatred breaks the sixth commandment in seed form. • Persistent hatred shows that “eternal life does not abide” in that person (1 John 2:9-11). • The verse calls believers to confront inner hostility, not just external deeds. Practical Outworking for Us • Guard the heart: confess anger quickly (Ephesians 4:26-27). • Replace hatred with active love: “Let us love not with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). • Seek reconciliation: “First be reconciled to your brother” (Matthew 5:24). • Bless and pray for offenders, following Jesus’ example (Luke 23:34). Summary “You shall not murder” forbids the taking of life; 1 John 3:15 shows that the same sin lurks in every heart that nurses hatred. True obedience cherishes every person as God’s creation and allows Christ-like love to extinguish anger, contempt, and bitterness. |
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