Recovery Under the Cross moves forward with the weekly Midweek Meditation series on the 10 Commandments. This week's meditation focuses on the 5th Commandment.

Exodus 20:13: You shall not commit murder. (EHV)

Naturally, murder is the main thing covered in the 5th Commandment. The 5th Commandment also forbids committing bodily harm to others and to ourselves. This week's Midweek Meditation will talk about murder committed within a person's heart - hatred (1 John 3:15).

What a blessing it is for us that Jesus paid for our sins of hatred toward others. Because of his great love for us, God turns our hate-filled hearts into loving hearts that forgive those who hurt us.

In the larger context of Scripture, the 4th Commandment covers more than obeying our parents. The 4th Commandment includes obeying all of God's representatives - in the home, in the church, in civil government. The last group seems to be the most difficult to honor and obey. It's hard for us to want to honor and obey those in civil government because it seems that so many people who serve in the government these days are corrupt and ego-maniacal in some way. Regardless of how our leaders think, act, and govern, God established government for our well-being and safety. It's God-pleasing for us to remember our civic leaders in our prayers, asking God to bless them with sound judgement, wisdom, and a servant-leader's heart.

One consequence of addiction is neglecting God's Word whether it's in our daily lives by letting our devotional life slide or giving up gathering with other Christians to worship God in church.

Today's Midweek Meditation turns our attention to the 3rd Commandment.

Exodus 20:8

Remember the Sabbath day by setting it apart as holy. (EHV)