If we look at the commandments we can easily see that they were given to keep from hurting ourselves, others and God. If we take God's name in vain or put any other God's before Him then that hurts God. If we steal or bear false witness against another person then we are hurting someone else. If we are jealous and covet something that belongs to someone else, then that drives a wedge in an otherwise good relationship and hurts us, as well as the other person. If we don't rest after six days of labor then we wear our bodies down and hurt ourselves. The commandments were given to keep us in peace and harmony with one another and with God. They were not given just to be cruel to us and give us these big hoops to try and jump through.

 

For too long we have missed out on the knowledge of who God really is and how loving He is. He sent Jesus to die for us and yet we look at Him as this big, mean God. Yes, we should have a respect for Him because He truly is God, but we should know how loving He is and learn His heart and His ways.

 

He gave us the ten commandments for our benefit, not just for His. He of course wants a relationship with us because He loves us so much. Is that bad to be loved so much by God that He gave us a way to stay closely connected to Him so that we wouldn't have to run away from Him and hide because of our guilt? God is crying out for us to start perceiving Him as He truly is. The Ten Commandments are a blessing to us and not a curse. God knew what He was doing and He was trying to help us all along! Thank you Father God!