You have no right to murder someone. You are not the supreme lawgiver. You are not the final judge. Only the Almighty God is.

Everything we do has consequences. The crime of revenge murder can shatter your family, your friends and your community. Fulfilling your own sense of justice could start a feud, a gang war or a riot. Much more suffering could be the legacy of your loved one.

Choosing murder as your pain remedy will not lessen the loss you feel for a loved one. Indeed, you will become what you and our society despises a murderer.

God made His Laws clear when He wrote the Ten Commandments in stone on Mt. Sinai. “Thou shalt not kill” is one of those laws. Exodus 20:13; 24:12 Just like those stone tablets, there is no flexibility there.

Christ Jesus showed us more than the letter of law but also its intent. Jesus was asked a trick question by a Pharisee, What is the greatest commandment? He answered simply, “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, mind and soul. Also, Love thy Neighbor as thyself.” Matthew 22:35-40. True obedience is: Supreme love for God and love for your fellow man.

Man's practice is to love those that love you and to hate your enemies. Jesus said, “If you only love those who love you, what merit is that? Love your enemies too!” Matthew 5:43-48

The way of the follower of Christ is one that develops a strong heart full of love for all and denial of self for the service of others. Luke 9:23

Do you want to be like God in character? How can that be?

We read: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8,9

So how can we aspire to have God like thoughts?

Read the context. Isaiah 55:7 God's quality of abundant mercy and forgiveness are His Higher Way. Exercise mercy and forgiveness in your life.