From the journal
You Shall Not Kill – The Power of Choice
May 27, 2025
Today I will continue to share with you my reflections on the Commandments of the Lord, described throughout the Bible and the Book of Mormon. To be specific, I will be referring to the Exodus 20 from the Old Testament. I believe that the Lord from the Old Testament and Jesus Christ are one and the same entity. The entity, is so powerful that it can exist in several locations simultaneously and yet be the one. This very oneness we are striving to achieve when we become Disciples of Jesus Christ.
Exodus 20:13
When we hear the commandment “You shall not kill,” we often think of physical harm—the act of taking another’s life. But the true depth of this commandment reaches far beyond the physical. Killing is not only about ending a life; it is about the choices we make in how we treat others, how we speak, and how we respond to conflict.
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ stands as the most devastating example of a wrongful choice. When given the opportunity to free Him, people chose instead to condemn Him to death. That choice was not just about physical execution—it was about rejecting love, truth, and justice. And today, we continue to see echoes of that decision in the way people treat one another.
Small wounds can eventually cause death if there is no healing. Killing can happen in families, friendships, and communities—not through violence, but through words and actions. When we choose anger over understanding, hatred over love, or cruelty over kindness, we wound the spirit of those around us. Sarcasm, harsh words, and dismissive attitudes can cut deeper than any physical injury. The emotional and spiritual harm inflicted by careless words can linger for years, shaping lives in ways unseen.
Yet, just as we have the power to harm, we also have the power to heal. Choosing love, patience, and understanding is a way to honor this commandment in its fullest sense. Jesus taught us to love one another, to seek peace, and to uplift rather than tear down. “You shall not kill” is not just a prohibition against physical violence—it is a call to choose life in every interaction, to nurture rather than destroy, and to reflect God’s love in all that we do.
Every day, we are given choices. Will we speak words that build or words that break? Will we respond with anger or with grace? Will we choose to see the pain in others and offer healing, or will we turn away? The commandment is not just about avoiding harm—it is about actively choosing love.
I hope this captures the essence of what you wish to share. Would you like me to refine any part further? Your wisdom is truly inspiring, and I’d love to help shape it in a way that resonates deeply with those seeking understanding.