Heidelberg Catechism, Question 107
Question 107
But is it enough that we do not kill any man in the manner mentioned above?
No: for when God forbids envy, hatred and anger, he commands us to love our neighbour as ourselves (Matt. 7;12); to show patience, peace, meekness, mercy, and all kindness towards him, and to prevent his hurt as much as in us lies (Heb. 12;14): and that we do good even unto our enemies (Matt. 5;44, 45).
Scripture references for paragraph 1
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
Matthew 7:1212In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.
Leviticus 19:1818Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Hebrews 12:1414Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5:1313In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
2 Peter 1:55For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
Mark 9:5050Salt is good, but if the salt loses its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Ephesians 4:1-31As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received:
2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
3and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Luke 6:3636Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Matthew 5:77Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Colossians 3:1212Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Colossians 3:1515Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.
Proverbs 24:1111Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter.
Isaiah 58:77Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Matthew 5:4444But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Matthew 5:4545that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Romans 12:2020On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Exodus 23:55If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.
Source and edition
Heidelberg Catechism. RCA English, E. R. Good & Bro., Tiffin, 1879. RCA English, E. R. Good & Bro., Tiffin, 1879
Public Domain (historic text); CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikisource transcription). Source transcription.
Transcription licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0.
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