Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 12:20–21

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From the Word20 But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, provide a drink. For in doing this you will heap fiery coals on his head. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:20–21)

From the Confessions: The Small Catechism 

The Fifth Commandment

You shall not kill.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do our neighbors no bodily harm nor cause them any suffering, but help and befriend them in every need.

Pulling It Together: The motivation for taking care of our neighbor, including our enemies, is the fear and love of God. We help others because we understand our own need of assistance. Even if we have enough food, water, clothing, and shelter, we still need God’s compassion, his mercy, and his forgiveness. We too have been an enemy to someone: to God. Our sin put us there, our unrighteousness pitted against his holiness. Yet God was compassionate and merciful toward us. He forgave us, and made a way to justify us by means of his own righteousness (Rom 3:25-26). He has befriended us (John 15:15) and helped us in our greatest need (Rom 5:8). Since God has loved us so greatly, we too should love one another (1 John 4:11) even as he loves everyone (John 3:16).

Prayer: Thank you for your friendship, Jesus. Amen.

Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.

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The ReClaim Hymnal for Church and Home contains three Communion Settings along with liturgies for Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, Funerals, and other occasional services. It also includes the Small Catechism, as well as 275 beloved hymns from various hymn traditions. It is a resource that would be suitable for confirmation and graduation gifts as well as congregational use. 

Most of the hymns and other resources in ReClaim are part of Sola's Online Worship Electronic Resource. Check out all that is in SOWER here


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