The Fifth Commandment — “You shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17) — is one of the most direct and powerful commands given by God. It safeguards the gift of life, which comes from God alone, reminding us that every human person is created in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:27).

1. The Sacredness of Life

Life is not a possession, but a gift. From the moment of conception to natural death, every human being has inherent dignity and worth. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:

• “Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God” (CCC 2258).

• We are stewards, not masters, of life. Only God has ultimate authority over life and death.

2. What This Commandment Forbids

The Fifth Commandment prohibits direct and intentional killing. This includes:

• Murder – the deliberate taking of innocent human life.

• Abortion – the destruction of life in the womb.

• Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide – ending life prematurely under the guise of mercy.

• Hatred and Anger – Jesus deepens the commandment, teaching that even anger and contempt can violate it (Matthew 5:21–22).

3. Broader Meaning of “Do Not Kill”

The commandment is not only about avoiding murder, but about fostering life and peace:

• Promoting peace and reconciliation rather than hatred and violence.

• Rejecting unjust war, terrorism, and genocide.

• Opposing capital punishment where bloodless means are sufficient to protect society (CCC 2267).

• Caring for the poor, sick, elderly, and vulnerable, whose dignity is often neglected.

4. Modern-Day Challenges

Today, the culture of death takes many forms:

• Abortion justified as “choice.”

• Euthanasia promoted as “compassion.”

• Violence in families, communities, and nations.

• Indifference to suffering, poverty, and injustice.

As Christians, we are called to defend life courageously and to build a culture of life, as Pope St. John Paul II strongly emphasized in Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life).

5. Common Objections and Responses

• “It’s my body, my choice.” – The child has his or her own body, DNA, and human dignity. Choice cannot mean ending another life.

• “But what about suffering?” – Compassion means accompanying, caring, and supporting — not eliminating the person.

• “Abortion should be allowed in difficult cases.” – Every life is sacred, even in hardship. Love and support, not killing, are the true answers.

6. Practical Application

• Defend life in personal conversations and public witness.

• Support mothers, families, and those facing crisis pregnancies.

• Show mercy and forgiveness, avoiding hatred or violence in daily life.

• Respect your own life: avoid reckless behavior, care for your health, and value the life God has entrusted to you.

7. Conclusion

The Fifth Commandment is not a restriction but an invitation — an invitation to protect, nurture, and celebrate life. To say “Thou shall not kill” is to affirm: “Thou shall love, thou shall protect, thou shall serve life.”

As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of life, people who defend the dignity of every human being, and witnesses of God’s love in a world too often marked by violence and death.