Maybe you have noticed that we seem to live in some very divisive times. People are upset or at odds with one another. This takes place within families, work settings, neighborhoods, nationally and globally. This is nothing new. Humanity can always find something on which to disagree. What I think has changed is the vitriol and the strident nature with which people initially respond. It seems that the first or immediate response is one of attack.  

We are inundated with news of tragedy and heartache. We are presented with stories of heinous events. Many times, someone or some group has control over their actions which impact others. Other times there is no control or no one to blame, such as a natural disaster.  

Martin Luther in his Small Catechism explains the 5th Commandment in this way: “We should fear and love God, so that we do no bodily harm to our neighbor, but help and befriend him in every need.” So, killing is not just ending a life, but bringing any harm to another person. This includes physical violence, withholding help or even name calling.  

The commandment is not only concerned with what not to do but how we are to live. We are called to support and befriend our neighbors, to put the best construct on their actions and to support them. It is taking a moment to try to understand rather than just quickly reacting.  

The other side of this is that we are on the receiving end of this intention as well. We would hope that others would look upon us with a sense of grace and care.  

In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 21-26), Jesus expands the notion of “killing” to include anger aimed at another or insulting them. Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment, and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council, and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.”

Jesus ultimately calls upon us to be reconciled with God and with one another. God through Jesus reconciles us to God. Ideally, all of our actions would reflect God’s love to one another.

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. John Tabaka is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe.