The Ten Commandments were given by God to Moses on Mount
Sinai.
The Ten Commandments are about relationships - how to
strengthen, sustain, and build them. Rather than thinking about
these commandments as mere rules that we must follow, try to
think of them as God's gift to us. These are a gift because they
guide people in the direction of Christ-like love. Each
commandment helps people live in a more loving way. Notice that
the first three commandments are about people's relationship
with God. The other seven commandments are about people's
relationships with one another.
Commandment
Meaning
I am Yahweh your God; You
shall have no other gods before
me."
You shall not take the name of
Yahweh, your God in vain.
Recognizing that there is one God and not putting
anything else before God
Remember the sabbath day, to
keep it holy .”
Understanding that in order to develop a relationship
with God, one needs to take time to worship and pray to
God; this is the Sabbath -- taking rest from one’s weekly
activities to spend time with God
Respect for your parents who guide and help you in
your life
Honour your father and your
mother
Respecting and revering God
You shall not murder.
Recognizing that the gift of life is sacred, and taking it
away ignores this sacredness
You shall not commit adultery.
Respecting the sanctity and sacredness of a marriage
commitment
You shall not steal.
Respecting the personal freedom of others and that
God provides for each of us
You shall not give false
testimony against your
neighbour.
You shall not covet your
neighbours wife
Honouring the truth about others while not spreading
false rumours about them
You shall not covet your
neighbour’s goods.
Showing respect for the goods one’s neighbour has in
his/her possession
Showing respect for one’s own spouse and the spouses
of others
The Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments can be seen as a negative expression, meaning that
the commandments prohibit certain behaviours ( they list “the don’ts”)
The Beatitudes offer a different perspective in that they don’t prohibit
behaviour but state which behaviour or attitude is necessary for eternal
life.
The Greatest Commandment
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is asked “Master, which is the greatest
commandment in the law”. Jesus responded:
#1
“You should love the
Lord our God with all
your heart, with all your
soul, and with all your
mind. This is the first
and great
commandment”.
#2
“The second is this “you shall
love your neighbour as
yourself”