Respect for others and God

The Ten Commandments

Imagine there was a step-by-step guide to life which steered you in the right direction in different situations.

Many Christians view the Bible as an instruction manual on how to live. Its scriptures contain poetry, promises and lessons which help Christians to know God better and understand how He wishes them to behave.

God's instructions are encapsulated in the Ten Commandments.

Help for us all

The Ten Commandments were laws spoken by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. They were then written, according to the Bible, on stone tablets by the “finger of God”.

The commandments were given to the Israelites to help them create a sense of community and to show them how to obey God.Christians believe that this is still their exact purpose today.

Furthermore, the Ten Commandments are not just intended for one group of people or one age group. They are relevant and helpful to children and adults.

The first four commandments

If asked to summarise the Ten Commandments, many Christians would tell you that they show us how to show love and respect.

Christians believe that God both created and loves humankind, so being familiar with the first four commandments helps them to know how to love Him back:

1. You shall have no other gods before me

2. You shall not make idols

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

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy

The last six commandments

Many Christians feel that the last six commandments guide them on how to love other people:

5. Honour your father and your mother

6. You shall not murder

7. You shall not commit adultery

8. You shall not steal

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour (you shouldn’t tell lies)

10. You shall not covet (you shouldn’t feel jealous towards other people)

These commandments encourage people to get along with others by showing them love and respect. This will contribute to having a positive impact as a son, daughter, husband, wife, friend, neighbour, classmate, colleague and member of the community.

A better world

When Jesus was asked which is the greatest commandment, he said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.”

Christians should focus on knowing and loving God, and showing respect to other people.

Unfortunately, not everyone manages to live by these ideas, regardless of whether they are a Christian or not.

How much better a place would our world be, if everyone treated others with love, kindness and respect, no matter what their culture, belief or personality?

Now that you know about the Ten Commandments and the importance of respect, read about the Bible and its teachings for Christians.