The Small Catechism – part 96
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Zechariah 8:16–17
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: God is listening. He listens to our hearts, as well as our words. Even our intentions, our deepest desires, are known to him. We are to fear and love him to such a level that we dread our neighbor’s harm — whether at our own hands or another’s. We are to strive for his peace and prosperity, not imagine ways to undo him. God is listening.
Prayer: Give me your peace, Lord, so that I may live your peace in times of temptation. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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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.
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