The LORD desires that our neighbor’s honor and good reputation be upheld. Therefore, He gives the 8th commandment so that everyone would be able to stand with integrity before others. Unfortunately, our tongues do not need a training program on how to lie, slander, or hurt the reputation of others. The Old Adam is naturally able to do these things and needs to be put to death by contrition and repentance. By God’s grace, we receive forgiveness by the blood of Christ, and by the help of the Holy Spirit, He gives us what we need to defend and speak well of our neighbor in the kindest way.

Rev. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Crown of Life Lutheran Church, San Antonio, TX, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 8th commandment as confessed in the Large Catechism.

To learn more about Crown of Life Lutheran, visit crownoflifesa.org.

Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.