Question 271: What Does The Sixth Commandment Teach You?

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 271: What does the Sixth Commandment teach you?

The Sixth Commandment teaches me to value and protect human life as sacred. I must not harm others in anger, hatred, or violence, but instead seek peace, forgive offenses, and treat every person with dignity. It calls me to reject all forms of murder in thought, word, or deed, and to love my neighbor as one made in God’s image. (Exodus 20:13, Matthew 5:21–22, Romans 12:18–21, James 3:9–10, 1 John 3:15)

Full Scripture References

“You shall not murder.” – Exodus 20:13 (BSB)

“You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” – Matthew 5:21–22 (BSB)

“If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:18–21 (BSB)

“With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!” – James 3:9–10 (BSB)

“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in anyone who murders.” – 1 John 3:15 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The Sixth Commandment teaches me to see every human life as precious, for each person is made in the image of God. This command not only forbids physical murder, but also calls me to resist the anger, hatred, and contempt that give rise to violence. Bishop Stephen Wood (ACNA, Diocese of the Carolinas) writes, “The command not to murder begins in the heart. Jesus taught that even bitter words can violate this holy law.” (Sermon Series on the Ten Commandments, 2020)

It teaches me to reject every culture of death—whether through abortion, euthanasia, racism, or violence—and to embrace the life-giving love of Christ. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) explains, “To keep the Sixth Commandment is to build a life that nurtures peace, protects the vulnerable, and refuses to hate even one’s enemies.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2018)

This commandment shapes not just my actions but also my speech and motives. Fr. Chris Warner (AMiA, Church of the Holy Cross, SC) says, “Violent hearts speak violent words. The tongue can be a weapon of death or a tool of peace.” (Words That Build or Break, 2016)

The Anglican tradition calls me not only to avoid doing harm, but to actively do good. Gerald Bray (ACNA-affiliated, Beeson Divinity School) notes, “The law is not merely about avoiding sin—it is about embracing virtue. The opposite of murder is not neutrality but love.” (God Has Spoken, 2014)

Fr. Jon Shuler (AMiA, New Anglican Mission) adds, “Jesus fulfilled the Sixth Commandment by laying down His life for His enemies. If I am to follow Him, I must put away revenge and become an agent of reconciliation.” (Ten Words for the Church, 2015)

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

“He who loves his brother has fulfilled the law. But he who hates, even without lifting a hand, is already guilty.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Matthew, c. 390 AD

“God gave the command that we should not kill; but He also gave us His Spirit, that we might learn to love. In Christ, the command becomes our calling.” – Augustine of Hippo, Tractates on the Gospel of John, c. 410 AD

“To withhold mercy is also to do harm. Let your hands be quick to help and slow to strike.” – Basil the Great, Homily on Psalm 33, c. 370 AD

“Each person you meet bears the image of God. To insult, to wound, or to hate is to dishonor the Creator.” – Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, c. 180 AD

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

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An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)