We see a certain progression. The 2nd table deals with the neighbor 1st showing us authority and respect. Now we see that the neighbor MUST be respected and we may not murder before we move on and see how we must actually RESPECT him in his marriage and possessions. God has made the neighbor in His image and gives him his possessions. And we must respect him for GOD'S SAKE in the love of and the love FOR GOD!

The concept of the neighbor comes to the fore. In Luke Jesus turns to tables and asks the man "Who is the neighbor?" The man, woman, even child whom the Lord puts at your elbow in any station or calling in life. It is GOD who places by circumstances in life you neighbor who deserves your love. The lawyer questioned God on what it takes to receive eternal life....."Love God with ALL your heart, mind, soul...and the neighbor!" He engages Jesus in semantics and Jesus turns the question around to him..."which of these men were the neighbor?" We like to talk about who the neighbor is first BEFORE the love of Christ in us springs into action often times.

This commandment speaks of murder but also goes into depth to love God and the neighbor from the HEART! It's demand is strong. Envy, hatred, anger, desire or revenge. Not just the outward, but God looks at the heart and inward, the very traits of the flesh that we struggle with. Anger: disposition of jealousy. Hatred: jealously unchecked that continues and grows into bitterness and loathing which is hatred. And I become angry and it shows in my very disposition. And unchecked, it leads to vengeance which I make my business to distribute. If you let it go it culminates in murder! God counts all these things as murder beloved and God forbids it! And there is the positive demand of the law to love God and the neighbor.

The love of God MUST manifest itself in my life for God's sake! The opposite: patience, peace, meeknes, mercy, kindness towards him even to our enemies! Why do we not calmly deal with the weakness and demands that the neighbor imposes on our lives. Peace instead of hatred in our eyes to show the love of Christ to my neighbor. A meek spirit. Meekness is NOT weakness but the ability to nurse his wounds. So often we are not willing to give up that which inhibits me. We take care of ourselves first and foremost so very selfishly. Kindness and charitable donation with time given to their stance in life....even before me, myself, and I!

It becomes very apparent that we are leopardous. We have a calling to exercise ourselves in Christian benevolence. We pray for His Spirit to guide us and give us the virtues of the Spirit more and more.