Catholic Kernel of Truth - It’s Not Just About Murder : The Fifth Commandment

Today… we’re tackling a commandment you might be tempted to skip over in your examination of conscience.

The fifth commandment: “You shall not kill.”

Now if you’re anything like me, your first thought might be:

“Well, I haven’t murdered anyone. I’m good here. Let’s move on.”

But, Jesus takes this commandment, like He does all the others, and flips the script. He says in Matthew 5:22:

“Everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”

So it’s not just about murder. It’s about the heart behind it. It’s about the ways we choose death over life in our words, actions, even in the quiet corners of our souls.

Life is Sacred

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2258) reminds us that human life is sacred—from the moment of conception to natural death—because we are made in the image of God. You, me, every person we meet carries a divine fingerprint. So to harm another human being is dishonoring the Creator.

No one has the right to destroy an innocent human life. And that truth is really the foundation for everything else the Church teaches about life—from abortion, to euthanasia, to suicide, and to war.

Life is not ours to take. It’s ours to protect.

What About Self-Defense?

Now someone might ask, “But what if someone is trying to kill me? Or hurt my family?”

The Church teaches that self-defense can be permitted. If you’re in a situation where force is needed to protect yourself or others, it can be morally justified as long as your intention is to preserve life, and not to kill. But to go beyond what is  necessary crosses a line. (CCC 2263–2265)

It’s all about intention. Protecting life is the goal—even in conflict.

Abortion & Euthanasia

The fifth commandment also applies to abortion which the US Bishops have delcared as the preeminent issue. The Church teaches clearly (CCC 2270) that human life must be protected from the moment of conception. The unborn child in the womb is not just “potential life”- it is human life, and life, even in its most vulnerable form, has value.

The same goes for euthanasia. Ending the life of someone who is sick or disabled—even with good intentions—is not the answer. Every person, no matter their condition, deserves respect and care. That doesn’t mean we have to prolong suffering at all costs—sometimes it’s okay to stop treatments that are extreme or burdensome. But there’s a difference between letting someone die naturally and intentionally causing death. (CCC 2276–2278)

Suicide, Mental Health, and Mercy

This commandment also brings to mind a very difficult and sensitive topic: suicide. The Church teaches that suicide goes against the love of self, love of neighbor, and love of God. But it also teaches that mental illness, trauma, and deep suffering—can lessen a person’s responsibility. (CCC 2280–2283)

So, if you’ve lost someone to suicide know, the Church does not condemn them. In fact, we pray for them. We entrust them to God’s mercy—because only He knows the depths of their pain. And if you’re struggling yourself, please—reach out. You are loved. You are not alone. Call 988 to talk to someone who can help, or visit the 988 Lifeline.

Words That Hurt, Scandal That Kills

The Fifth Commandment also covers what we might call “everyday violence”—not just physical, but emotional and spiritual. Have you ever said something that crushed someone’s spirit? Have you ever gossiped, slandered, or lashed out in anger? Anger and hatred can kill, even if no blood is spilled.

Then there’s scandal—leading someone else into sin. That, too, is a form of spiritual death. If our actions cause someone else to fall away from God, that is serious. (CCC 2284)

Caring for Our Own Lives

This commandment includes how we treat our own bodies. Life is a gift entrusted to us, and we’re stewards of it. That means taking care of our health, avoiding addiction, being mindful of food, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. (CCC 2288–2291)

God wants us alive—not just physically, but fully alive in Him.

Peace Over Anger

So how do we start to live this out?

It begins with peace. Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Not just tolerate them. Love them.

Easier said than done, right?

But that’s the challenge of the 5th Commandment. It’s not just a “don’t do bad things” rule. It’s a call to actively protect and promote life in all its forms.

So ask yourself: