You can kill with more than a gun. You can do it with words. Hate is a failure to love our neighbors. (I don’t think we will be erecting Jesus’ commandments on murder, nor the one on adultery in the halls of government. It would embarrass the politicians). We like Moses’ words, without Jesus’ profound commentary and in-depth interpretation. Disrespectful-insulting-mocking-shameful name calling: like idiot, zero, stupid, ignorant, retard, dummy, good-for-nothing, etc., all are violations of the commandment, “You shall not murder.” The opposite of murder is to love, honor and respect all folks with whom your life intersects.
“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire.” Matthew 5:21-22 (NRSV)
