Exodus 20:16
The command has the effect of further protecting and building community. The neighbour is a fellow member of the community living under covenant with God. The New Testament makes clear that the neighbour is not even just someone close by, or who is like us. The command establishes the minimum requirement with respect to neighbour: We must not do or say anything that would unfairly affect that person’s reputation or identity.
Why would that happen? What would move one to testify (the command anticipates the legal setting of Israel) falsely against someone? Resentment? Jealousy? Elevating one’s own status or popularity by comparison? Most of us would probably say that we have experienced this in one way or another from the receiving end. Let us guard against doing this to another even unintentionally.
Prayer:
God, let me certainly honour this command, and move beyond it to active concern for the reputation of others. Through Christ. Amen.
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