In the sixth commandment, God rules against the taking of human life, revealing how precious life is to God and should be to us.

What God is most interested in is the heart behind the offering, and what is in the heart will be seen in what we are willing to do for the sake of a brother.

Jesus emphasized the spirit of the law, which places deterrents on the motive (anger, resentment, envy, revenge), preventing murder from ever taking place.

Dishonoring one's parents is a serious abomination, considered a capital offense by God. Fathers must be worthy of honor, teaching their children to honor God.

Our society is becoming increasingly violent. The sixth of the Ten Commandments covers crime, capital punishment, murder, hatred, revenge and war.

The fifth commandment begins the section of six commands regarding our relationships with other people. Children should learn proper respect in the family.

Some Bible commentaries call Elisha short-tempered for causing two female bears to maul 42 youths for making fun of him. There is more to the story.

Honor of parents is the basis for good government. The family provides the venue for someone to learn to make sacrifices and be part of a community.

We are obligated to show compassion and mercy to all, refraining from gossip, exercising righteous judgment, forgiving others and applying the Golden Rule.

Jesus Christ placed a high priority on reconciliation, warning us that before we engage God at the altar, we had better make peace with our brother.

The fifth commandment provides a bridge, connecting our relationships with God and the relationships with our fellow human beings.

Murder originates in the heart. Nothing from the outside defiles a man but originates in the heart governed by carnal human nature.

Agape love will not occur unless we first learn to honor, esteem, and cherish God and the preciousness of Christ's sacrifice for us.

Young people in the church must realize that they are not invincible. Not only is God's law no respecter of persons, but also sanctification can be lost.