as Christ loves us.

“Be imitators of God, as beloved children. Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us.”

EPHESIANS 5:1-2

“You sowed in me the seed of Your grace so it may grow to become a harvest of kindness toward others.”

JOHANN GERHARD

You shall have no other gods.

God loves us and has freed us from sin, death, and the devil. He has made Himself our God and we His people. We should therefore honor, love, and trust Him above all things.

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

God loves us, and we should honor and love God in return, not using His holy name to curse, swear, lie, or deceive, but rather pray, praise, and give Him thanks, calling upon Him in every trouble.

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

God loves us, and we should honor and love God in return, regularly and gladly hearing the preaching of His Word and meditating upon it and not neglecting to gather together to receive it.

Honor your father and your mother.

God loves us, and we should honor and love God in such a way that we also love our neighbor as ourself, not despising our parents and other authorities, but instead honoring, serving, obeying, and regarding them with love and respect.

You shall not murder.

God loves us, and we should honor and love God in such a way that we also love our neighbor as ourself, not doing our neighbor physical harm but instead helping and supporting them in every bodily need.

You shall not commit adultery.

God loves us, and we should honor and love God in such a way that we also love our neighbor as ourself, leading sexually pure and decent lives in all we say and do, and husbands and wives loving and honoring each other.

You shall not steal.

God loves us, and we should honor and love God in such a way that we also love our neighbor as ourself, not taking from others what does not belong to us, nor obtaining it through deception or dishonesty, but instead helping everyone to improve and protect whatever belongs to them.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

God loves us, and we should honor and love God in such a way that we also love our neighbor as ourself, not telling lies, gossiping, or doing anything which would hurt their name and reputation, but instead defending them, speaking kindly about them, and putting the best construction on their words and actions.

You shall not covet.

God loves us, and we should honor and love God in such a way that we also love our neighbor as ourself, not coveting in our heart whatever they have and wishing it belonged to us instead (whether it be house and belongings, or spouse and workers). We should be content with what God has given us, and encourage and support and do all we can to help our neighbor keep and enjoy what God has given to them.