Scripture to Read: Exodus 21:17–21; 22:7–15, 25–27; 23:6–9
Today, we’re looking at several areas that God laid out for us in His Law in loving our neighbor as ourselves. First, God said that no one should ever curse their parents. God always wants parents to be honored, so He included many instructions on this throughout His Word (Deuteronomy 5:16, Proverbs 6:20, Proverbs 23:22, Ephesians 6:1–2, Colossians 3:20). Needless to say, God wants us obeying Him when it comes to our parents. Second, God gave specific details on how to deal with quarrels/fights in Exodus 21:18–21. God reminds us in James 4:1–3 where quarrels and fights begin. Quarrels and fights are always due to our selfish attitudes. Third, God also gave many details on how to deal with stealing in Exodus 22:7–13, borrowing in Exodus 22:14–15, lending in Exodus 22:25–27, and bribing in Exodus 23:8. Again, God wants us to be good stewards of everything He has placed under our care. Remember, God tells us in James 1:17 that every good gift is from Him, so being a good steward of what we have, borrow, or lend brings honor and glory to Him, The Gift Giver. God also tells us in Ephesians 4:28 that we’re not to steal but always labor so that we are able to help others in need. Again, always remember that everything we have is from God, and we should never think that we “earned” it because even the gifts, abilities, and talents we have are ALL gifts from our Creator.
Challenge & Application
· How are you living out good stewardship of everything God has given to you?
· How do you guard against stealing in your job or in other areas where you have work to do?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!