Rom. 13;4.—For he is the minister of God to thee for good.—But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid: for he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.—Gen. 9;6.
106. But this command seems only to speak of murder?
In forbidding murder, God teaches us, that he abhors the causes thereof: such as envy, hatred, anger, and desire of revenge; and that he accounts all these as murder (1 John 3;15).
1 John 3;15.—Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: an ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.—1 Pet. 2;1.—1 Cor. 3;3.—Col. 3;8.—Gal. 5;19-21.
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).
Matt. 7;12.—Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.—Lev. 19;18.
Heb. 12;14.—Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.—1 Thess. 5;13.—2 Pet. 1;5.—Mark 9;50.—Eph. 4;1-3.—Luke 6;36.—Matt. 5;7.—Col. 3;12, 15.—Prov. 24;11.—Isa. 58;7.
