The commandment “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13) is one of the most foundational moral laws in the Bible. This commandment is not merely a prohibition against murder; it is a directive from God to honor the sanctity of life, acknowledging that every human being is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Despite this, throughout history, and through modern times, people often kill “just because”… for reasons driven by anger, fear, jealousy, hatred, or other sinful impulses. These reasons reflect the brokenness of the human condition and the tendency to disregard God’s will for human life. In this teaching, we will explore why people kill “just because,” the consequences of such actions, and the spiritual and moral implications of disobeying God’s commandment.
One of the most common reasons people kill is because of overwhelming anger or hatred. In Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus expands on the commandment to include not just the act of murder, but the attitudes and emotions that lead to it: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not murder,’ and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” The seed of murder often lies in unchecked anger or hatred. A person may kill someone “just because” they are consumed with rage or resentment, disregarding the value of the other person’s life.
Fear can also drive a person to kill. This fear can be fear of harm, fear of losing control, or fear of being hurt by someone else. In a moment of extreme fear, a person might react violently to protect themselves, even if the threat is not as severe as they perceive it to be. The Bible speaks about the role of fear in our lives, urging believers to trust in God’s protection rather than yielding to fear (Psalm 23:4, 2 Timothy 1:7). When fear overrides trust in God, people may resort to killing out of a misguided sense of “self-preservation”.
Jealousy is another powerful emotion that can lead to killing. In the case of Cain and Abel, jealousy led Cain to murder his brother (Genesis 4:3-8). Envy can create a destructive desire to eliminate the object of one’s jealousy, even at the cost of another person’s life. When people fail to recognize the blessings they have and instead compare themselves to others, they can be led down a path of bitterness and violence.
Throughout history, wars, violence, and murders have often been driven by greed or the desire for power. People who are driven by an insatiable hunger for wealth or control may commit murder “just because” they wish to eliminate someone who “stands in the way” of their goals. In such cases, the person disregards the inherent worth of others, seeing them only as obstacles to their own desires.
In today’s world, people can become completely desensitized to the sanctity of life due to the constant exposure to violence in media, entertainment, and even in real-life situations. This desensitization may cause some people to lose the understanding of the severity of taking a life, leading them to commit murder without so much as any consideration of the consequences.
The consequences of disobeying the commandment not to kill are profound, not just for the person committing the act, but for society and the individual’s relationship with God. Murder is a grievous sin, and disobeying God’s commandment leads to a spiritual separation from Him. Isaiah 59:2 states, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you.” A person who engages in murder or violence without repentance is choosing to reject God’s will for peace and love. This willful disobedience leads to alienation from the source of life and eternal peace. Sin, especially the sin of murder, creates a barrier between the sinner and God, making reconciliation difficult unless there is genuine repentance and a change of heart.
The act of taking a life, whether in anger, fear, or greed, leaves the perpetrator with a profound sense of guilt, remorse, and inner turmoil. In 1 John 3:15, the Apostle John writes, “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” The absence of peace and the constant weight of guilt can lead to mental and emotional suffering. A person who takes a life “just because” may find it impossible to find true peace within themselves, as their conscience bears the heavy burden of their sin.
The commandment not to kill is not only a personal directive but a societal one. When murder becomes common or is justified for trivial reasons, society itself begins to break down. Communities founded on mutual respect, love, and understanding can quickly devolve into chaos and fear. This is why God, in His wisdom, gave such a clear commandment: to preserve not just the sanctity of individual lives, but the order and stability of society as a whole. The consequences of a society that embraces violence and disregards the sanctity of life are catastrophic, leading to further violence, injustice, and suffering for all. Murder doesn’t just affect the person who is killed; it affects their entire family and the whole community in which they lived. Those left behind—parents, spouses, children, and friends, are forced to deal with the trauma, grief, and loss that result from such violence. The ripple effects of violence spread far beyond the immediate situation, causing emotional and psychological harm to many innocent people.
God’s commandment against killing is not merely about earthly consequences; it also has eternal implications. Jesus warned in Matthew 5:22 that “anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” While God is merciful and offers forgiveness to those who repent, there is a warning that continual disobedience and hardened hearts can lead to eternal separation from God. The unrepentant murderer who does not seek reconciliation with God and others may face the ultimate consequence of eternal death, which is a separation from God for all eternity.
The commandment “Thou shalt not kill” is a clear and unequivocal message from God about the sacredness of human life. The reasons why people kill “just because”, whether out of anger, fear, jealousy, or greed, are rooted in the brokenness of the human heart and the influence of sin. The consequences of such actions are far-reaching, affecting the individual, society, and the eternal state of the soul. As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), to forgive as God has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32), and to seek peace rather than violence (Romans 12:18). In a world that often disregards the value of life, Christians must be a witness to the sanctity of life and the love of God, living in obedience to His commands and reflecting His grace and mercy to others. We need to stand in faith and honor God’s commandment “Thou shalt not kill” in both our actions and our hearts, remembering that every life is precious to God, and that true peace comes only through reconciliation with Him and others.
image is done by deepimgai at my direction