Many sins are combated by developing an understanding of what it means for people to be created in the image of God.  Most of the various “isms” having to do with individuals – racism, sexism, ageism, elitism, classism, etc. – are combated with a proper biblical understanding of man as bearing God’s image.  James makes this point when he writes of the human tongue, “It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God” (James 3.8-9, ESV).

Michael Horton, in the seventh chapter, “How Pro-Life Are We Really?,” of his book The Law of Perfect Freedom rightly argues 1) that this image of God principle is the basis for the sixth commandment, “You shall not murder,” and 2) that murder is what is at play not only when we physically take a life, but also when we slight our neighbor in any number of ways.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us a divine commentary on the sixth commandment.  Matthew records his words.  “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’  But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire” (Matthew 5.21-22, ESV).

When we step back and look at our lives and the attitudes we have toward those who are not like us, we often find a slighting of the image of God in our heart.  We must recognize this as the sin that it is and be driven by the law to the wonderful grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is only in him that our murderous, hearts, hands, mouths, and minds can be redeemed.