Six things the Lord hates; in fact, seven are detestable to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19 HCSB
Power is no blessing in itself, except when it is used to protect the innocent. Jonathan Swift*
The Lord hates hands that shed innocent blood. The sentence itself is sobering for two reasons. First, the Lord hates it. He doesn’t just dislike it or avoid talking about it. He hates it. That in itself demands our attention. Secondly, the term innocent blood brings to mind violent acts such as assassination, murder, and abortion. Certainly most of us are innocent of this, right?
However, the Lord sees the heart of people as well as what they do. He sees those with a murderous and cruel disposition. He sees those who would do harm to the innocent rather than have their own plans frustrated. He sees those whose lives are defined by out and out cruelty.
Lord, help us to never be guilty of shedding innocent blood.
*Gulliver’s Travels
No comments:
Post a Comment