God is the author and authority over all life, thus He alone reserves the absolute right to give and take life and even command to take life. When others go ahead of God to take life with malice aforethought and without God’s express approval, this is murder. He expressly commands to not murder. As a God of justice, God has instituted judicial means for dealing with those who’ve committed murder. However, for Christians not only is murder expressly forbidden, but also motives and behaviors that may lead to or go along with murder. The essence behind the command to not murder is to love others. Loving others contributes to peace and reconciliation in all human relationships.