10: Evil & Mercy
This Sunday, we continue our new year worship series, “10.” In the weeks between now and Lent, we’ll take a deep dive into Ten Commandments and explore how these ancient set of codes are relevant to our lives as Christians today. Check out week one, “No Other”, week two, “Idol”, and week three’s “Name.” In week four, we explored “Rest.” Last week, we examined “Honor.”
Sermon Reflections:
- How can we extend the command, “do not kill” to move beyond the literal act of murder and include harmful words and actions. How have you experienced the “killing” of another’s spirit through words or actions, either as the giver or receiver? What steps can you take to ensure your words are building up rather than tearing down?
- Where do you see anger manifesting in your life, and how might that anger be contributing to “killing” the spirit of others or even yourself? What practices (e.g., prayer, meditation, self-reflection) might help you manage anger in healthier ways?
- The story of Victoria Ruvolo highlights the power of forgiveness and extending mercy. Think about a situation where you were deeply hurt by someone. Could you imagine extending the kind of forgiveness Victoria showed? What internal barriers might prevent you from doing so, and how could you begin to break those down?
- Human life is sacred, because all are created in God’s image. How does this understanding of human worth impact your interactions with others, especially those who are different from you or with whom you disagree?
- Questions about self-defense, war, and capital punishment create complexities for this sixth commandment. What are your personal beliefs on these complex issues, and how do they connect with your understanding of “do not kill”? How do you wrestle with the tension between justice and mercy in these situations?
- The sermon concludes with a call to both seek forgiveness from those we have wronged and to forgive those who have wronged us. Is there someone you need to ask for forgiveness from? Is there someone you need to forgive? What steps can you take this week to initiate those difficult but healing conversations?
Click here to watch the livestream of Sunday’s traditional service.