Saturday's message doesn't have to end on Saturday. This 5-day plan gives you an easy way to keep reflecting throughout the week with a daily reading, prayer prompt, and practical step to live it out.

Rules of Engagement - #6 Do Not Murder
Marc Giffin 5/23/2026

Day 1: The Sacredness of Life

Reading: Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:7

Reflection: You bear the image of God—not because of what you've accomplished, but simply because God made you. Every person you encounter today carries that same sacred stamp. Before God gave any commands about behavior, He established this foundational truth: human life is different because it reflects the Creator.

Prayer: God, help me see myself and others through Your eyes today. When I look in the mirror, remind me that I bear Your image. When I encounter difficult people, help me remember they do too. Give me eyes to see the sacred in the ordinary interactions of my day.

Action: Choose one person you'll interact with today—maybe someone you usually overlook (a cashier, coworker, family member). Make intentional eye contact, use their name if possible, and genuinely acknowledge their humanity. Notice how it feels to consciously see someone as an image-bearer.

Day 2: When Anger Takes Root

Reading: Genesis 4:1-16; Matthew 5:21-22

Reflection: God warned Cain that sin was "crouching at the door"—like a predator waiting. Cain's murder of Abel didn't start with violence; it started with unchecked jealousy and bitterness. Jesus takes this even further, saying anger and contempt are where murder begins. What's crouching at your door right now? What small bitterness are you feeding?

Prayer: Lord, search my heart. Show me where I've allowed anger, resentment, or contempt to take root. I don't want to nurture what destroys. Help me deal with these feelings honestly before they grow into something darker. Give me the courage to name what I'm feeling and bring it to You.

Action: Write down the name of someone you're angry with or bitter toward. Be honest about what you're feeling. Then pray specifically for that person's well-being today. Ask God to bless them. (This isn't about dismissing real hurt—it's about refusing to let bitterness control you.)

Day 3: Breaking the Cycle

Reading: Numbers 35:9-15; Romans 12:17-21

Reflection: God established cities of refuge to interrupt cycles of revenge and violence. He built mercy and justice into the system—not reckless vengeance, but protection and accountability. Our world still runs on retaliation: canceling, shaming, escalating. But God's people are called to break cycles, not perpetuate them. Where are you tempted to retaliate rather than restore?

Prayer: Father, I confess that my first instinct is often revenge—to hurt back, to get even, to make sure people know they were wrong. Transform that instinct in me. Make me someone who stops cycles instead of escalating them. Give me wisdom to pursue both justice and mercy.

Action: Identify one relationship or situation where you've been caught in a cycle of hurt and retaliation (even if it's just in your mind). Take one concrete step toward breaking that cycle today—maybe it's choosing not to respond to a cutting remark, or sending a kind text to someone you've been cold toward.

Day 4: Speaking Life

Reading: Proverbs 18:21; James 3:1-12; Ephesians 4:29

Reflection: "Do not murder" isn't just about physical violence—it's about valuing life in every form. James says the tongue is powerful enough to destroy. Proverbs says death and life are in the power of the tongue. You can tear someone down with words, or you can build them up. Your words today will either give life or take it. Which will you choose?

Prayer: God, set a guard over my mouth today. Help me recognize when I'm about to speak words that tear down rather than build up. Give me creativity to encourage, wisdom to speak truth with grace, and restraint when silence is better than speech. Make my words instruments of life.

Action: Send three messages today (text, email, or in person) that genuinely encourage someone. Be specific—don't just say "you're great." Tell them something you genuinely appreciate or admire about them. Speak life intentionally.

Day 5: The Gospel of Life

Reading: Colossians 1:15-20; John 10:10; 1 John 3:14-16

Reflection: Jesus is the perfect image-bearer who came to give life abundantly. When humanity took the Author of Life and murdered Him on a cross, God transformed that ultimate act of violence into redemption. Abel's blood cried out for justice; Jesus' blood cries out for mercy. Because of the resurrection, you can become a life-giving person in a death-dealing world.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for choosing life when You could have chosen revenge. Thank You for transforming violence into redemption. Fill me with Your resurrection life so that everywhere I go, I bring hope instead of despair, healing instead of harm, life instead of death. Make me an agent of Your Kingdom.

Action: Reflect on this week. Where did you see yourself choosing life? Where did you struggle? Write down one specific way you want to continue being a life-giving person in your relationships, your words, and your actions. Share this commitment with one trusted friend who can encourage you and hold you accountable.

Weekly Challenge: This week, practice seeing every person as an image-bearer. When you're frustrated in traffic, remember the other driver bears God's image. When someone is rude to you, remember they carry sacred worth. When you're tempted to gossip or tear someone down, remember God made them on purpose and for a purpose. Choose life.

Every Sunday: Review your three names and pray for them

Every Week: Have at least one meaningful interaction with each person

Every Month: Look for an opportunity to invite one of them to church or a spiritual conversation

Remember: You're not responsible for outcomes—just obedience. Plant, Invite, Share, Love. God handles the growth.

"How can they hear without a proclaimer? And how can they preach unless they are sent?"

- Romans 10:14-15

Don't Forget...