The Small Catechism – part 97
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Peter 4:8
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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: There may be little worse than carrying a grudge. It lessens the life of the person holding the grudge, as well as the one for whom the grudge is held. We confess to be the “communion of saints” where there is “forgiveness of sins.” Now, the Apostles Creed is referring to the forgiveness of God. However, if there is real community of Christian people, there is forgiveness among them too. This is precisely what we pray: “as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Real love conceals umbrages; it covers them, no longer to be seen, mentioned, or remembered (Proverbs 10:12).
Prayer: Give me, O Father, the Spirit of your Son so that I may love your church. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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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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