Page 65 - Sons and Daughters of God (1955)

We Shall Not Kill, February 24
Thou shalt not kill. Exodus 20:13.
All acts of injustice that tend to shorten life; the spirit of hatred and
revenge, or the indulgence of any passion that leads to injurious acts toward
others, or causes us even to wish them harm (for “whoso hateth his brother
is a murderer”); a selfish neglect of caring for the needy or suffering; all
self-indulgence or unnecessary deprivation or excessive labor that tends to
injure health,—all these are, to a greater or less degree, violations of the
sixth commandment.65
Some sacrifice physical and moral obligations, thinking to find happi-
ness, and they lose both soul and body. Others will seek their happiness
in indulgence of an unnatural appetite, and consider the indulgence of
taste more desirable than health and life. Many suffer themselves to be
enchained by sensual passions, and will sacrifice physical strength, in-
tellect, and moral powers, to the gratification of lust. They will bring
themselves to untimely graves, and in the Judgment will be charged with
self-murder.66
The spirit of hatred and revenge originated with Satan; and it led him
to put to death the Son of God. Whoever cherishes malice or unkindness is
cherishing the same spirit; and its fruit will be unto death. In the revengeful
thought the evil deed lies enfolded, as the plant in the seed.67
The law of God takes note of the jealousy, envy, hatred, malignity,
revenge, lust, and ambition that surge through the soul, but have not found
expression in outward action, because the opportunity, not the will, has
been wanting. And these sinful emotions will be brought into the account
in the day when “God shall bring every work into judgment, with every
secret thing.” 68
Christ is righteousness, sanctification, and redemption to those who
believe in Him.... He set before us a perfect example of holy obedience to
God’s law.69 [62]
65Patriarchs and Prophets, 308.
66The Youth’s Instructor, April 1, 1872.
67Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 89.
68The Signs of the Times, January 10, 1911.
69The Review and Herald, February 4, 1890.
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