You Shall Not Murder
The sanctity of human life reflects the image of God and demands protection.
The sixth commandment prohibits murder, protecting the sacred gift of life made in God's image. Jesus deepens this command to include anger and contempt—anyone who says 'you fool' is liable to judgment. Murder begins in the heart with hatred, resentment, and dehumanization. This teaching protects not just from physical killing but from the spiritual murder of destroying another's dignity. Every human life has infinite value because each person bears God's image. From this principle flows opposition to violence, abortion, euthanasia, and all disregard for human dignity.
You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not murder.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.
Mother Teresa declared that 'if we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other'—violence against any human violates our common humanity.
Book of Exodus