The Small Catechism – part 95
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Peter 4:8–9
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for a recording of today's lesson.
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The Eighth Commandment
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not betray, slander, lie, or gossip about our neighbors, but defend them, speak well of them, and put the most charitable construction on all that they do.
Pulling It Together: How long would you expect people to stay at a party where the host walks around complaining about the party guests? When entertaining, one is considerate of the guests, shows interest in their lives, and even their opinions. Concern for the welfare of the guest is the measure of true hospitality. This kind of ancient hospitality hearkens back to a kinder day when travelers might be welcomed into a home. Imagine being such a wanderer, brought in to someone’s home for the evening. They provide you with supper and even a bed to sleep in, but the owners of the house bicker and complain throughout the evening. Eventually, they begin to grumble about all the visitors who come to their door, looking for a handout.
The church is to be passionate about hospitality. So, when your church holds their next potluck, and you end up having to do all the dishes, or cleaning up after that particular family, do it without complaint. Speak of those folks as though you love them. Forgive them. The sin that is covered in doing so may not be theirs alone.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, give me the heart of Jesus. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
Share this post
Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
Click Here For Content Archives