You Shall Not Murder
Exodus 20:13 | Leader & Student Information

Tyler Bowles • Associate Pastor
November 4, 2026

2 Minute Read
Week 7 Devotional
Scripture

Lesson Summary

God’s command, “You shall not murder,” rests on the value He gives human life. Every person is made in His image. Our dignity does not depend on appearance, wealth, popularity, health, or ability. Valuing life includes protecting people and showing practical care to those in need.

Jesus shows that this commandment reaches into our hearts. Sinful anger, contempt, and cruel words matter to God even when no physical violence occurs. He calls us to take responsibility for our wrongdoing and seek reconciliation. Loving God should shape how we treat the people He made.

We have all failed to love as we should. Jesus died for sinners and rose again so that those who trust Him can be forgiven and brought into relationship with God. His grace leads us to confess honestly, turn from bitterness, and grow in kindness. We honour the God who gives life as we value and care for others.


Small Group Questions

Understanding the Passage
  1. What do people at school use to decide who matters most? How does being made in God’s image challenge those standards?
  2. Who is easy for you to ignore or look down on? What could change if you remembered that God made them in His image?
  3. Where do jokes, gaming, or group chats make it easy to treat people cruelly? What could help you respond differently?
  4. Read Matthew 5:21–24. How can you recognise when anger is becoming contempt or a desire to hurt someone?
  5. When you have hurt someone, what makes apologising difficult? What would an apology without excuses sound like?
  6. How does Jesus’ forgiveness help us be honest about our sin instead of pretending we are better than others?
  7. What is one practical way you could protect, include, or care for someone this week? What will you do?
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November 4, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
You Shall Not Murder
Week 7 Devotional Scripture Exodus 20:13 (ESV) Matthew 5:21-26 (ESV) Lesson Summary God’s command, “You shall not murder,” rests on the value He gives human life. Every person is made in His image. Our dignity does not depend on appearance, wealth, popularity, health, or ability. Valuing life includes protecting people and showing practical care to those in need. Jesus shows that this commandment reaches into our hearts. Sinful anger, contempt, and cruel words matter to God even when no physical violence occurs. He calls us to take responsibility for our wrongdoing and seek reconciliation. Loving God should shape how we treat the people He made. We have all failed to love as we should. Jesus died for sinners and rose again so that those who trust Him can be forgiven and brought into relationship with God. His grace leads us to confess honestly, turn from bitterness, and grow in kindness. We honour the God who gives life as we value and care for others. Small Group Questions Understanding the Passage What do people at school use to decide who matters most? How does being made in God’s image challenge those standards? Who is easy for you to ignore or look down on? What could change if you remembered that God made them in His image? Where do jokes, gaming, or group chats make it easy to treat people cruelly? What could help you respond differently? Read Matthew 5:21–24. How can you recognise when anger is becoming contempt or a desire to hurt someone? When you have hurt someone, what makes apologising difficult? What would an apology without excuses sound like? How does Jesus’ forgiveness help us be honest about our sin instead of pretending we are better than others? What is one practical way you could protect, include, or care for someone this week? What will you do?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

October 28, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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October 21, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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October 14, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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October 7, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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September 23, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor