Do Not Murder Anyone’s Spirit (Matthew 5:21–22)! By Rev. Adam C. Bowling | Paraphrased by Dr. Chapman Chen
- Chapman Chen
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
In Matthew 5:21–22, Jesus expands the commandment “You shall not murder” by teaching that anger, insults, and contemptuous words—such as calling someone a “fool”—are forms of spiritual murder, leading to divine judgment. Jesus reveals that it is not only the act of killing that violates God’s will, but also any action or attitude that wounds another’s spirit or sense of worth.
This teaching can be extended to our treatment of non-human animals, who are also sentient beings created by God. When we confine animals in cages, prevent them from roaming freely, or deny them the ability to live out their God-given nature, we destroy their spirit. Practices such as artificial insemination of cows and machine milking, though commonplace, are spiritually violent. They strip animals of autonomy, dignity, and natural rhythms—amounting to a murder of the spirit, even if not of the body. Tragically, almost all of these animals are still slaughtered once they are no longer "useful."
Another example is declawing cats. This practice violates their God-given design, robbing them of the ability to protect themselves. It, too, is a form of spiritual mutilation—an act that undermines their innate wholeness and well-being.
In this passage, Jesus engages the Sixth Commandment given through Moses, but intensifies it. He calls us to recognise not only the outward act of murder, but also the inner violence of our attitudes, words, and treatment of others—including animals.
Jesus Himself is an animal lover, who displays compassion for animals throughout the Gospels—mentioning sheep, sparrows, and donkeys, and treating them as creatures worthy of care. His concern is not limited to humans; it reflects a broader, divine love for all creation.
In conclusion, to kill the spirit of a sentient being—human or animal—is to commit a kind of murder. As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of compassion, extending love and respect to all creatures. In light of Jesus’ teaching, may we be vigilant not only in our actions, but in our attitudes and systems, ensuring that we do not become destroyers of the spirit in other conscious creatures.
Reverend Adam C. Bowling has been serving as the Pastor of the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City (FUPCDC), Virginia, since 2018. A committed vegan, he is currently offering an animal theology course—both online and in person—entitled “Stewards of the Earth: Discovering Compassion for Animals through Scripture: A Six-Week Bible Study on Caring for God’s Creation.” https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevISqUfS6mheP5mQZDoriCTHBT8hbNZCUDSgL5DK0tbV-mdA/viewform
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