The principle of doing no harm to others is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible and is a fundamental aspect of Christian ethics. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing love, compassion, and justice in interpersonal relationships.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for the principle of doing no harm through the Mosaic Law and the teachings of the prophets. Leviticus 19:18 commands, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." This verse highlights the importance of love and forgiveness, discouraging actions that would harm others.

The Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20:1-17, also provide a moral framework that includes prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, and bearing false witness. These commandments serve as a guide to ensure that individuals do not harm others through their actions.

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament further reinforces the idea of doing no harm. Proverbs 3:29 advises, "Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he dwells trustingly beside you." This counsel underscores the importance of maintaining trust and peace within the community.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets frequently called the people of Israel to account for their actions, urging them to act justly and avoid harm. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this call: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse emphasizes justice and mercy as key components of a life that does no harm.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament builds upon the Old Testament's ethical teachings, with Jesus Christ exemplifying and expanding the principle of doing no harm. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this is the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12). Known as the Golden Rule, this teaching encapsulates the essence of doing no harm by promoting empathy and reciprocal kindness.

The Greatest Commandments

Jesus further emphasizes the importance of love in Matthew 22:37-40, where He states, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Loving one's neighbor inherently involves refraining from actions that would cause harm.

Apostolic Instructions

The apostles continue this teaching in their epistles. Paul writes in Romans 13:10, "Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." This statement reinforces the idea that genuine love naturally leads to actions that do not harm others.

In Galatians 5:14-15, Paul warns against destructive behavior, stating, "The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another." Here, Paul cautions against harmful actions that can destroy community and relationships.

Practical Application

The principle of doing no harm is not merely theoretical but is meant to be lived out in daily life. Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to live in harmony with others (Romans 12:18). This involves actively seeking the well-being of others and avoiding actions that would cause physical, emotional, or spiritual harm.

In summary, the biblical mandate to do no harm to others is a comprehensive ethical principle that permeates both the Old and New Testaments. It calls believers to a life of love, justice, and mercy, reflecting the character of God in their interactions with others.