Today I read Exodus 22, which talks about laws concerning property and personal behavior. Today I considered that God believes in punishing theft and trespass, holds stewards accountable for their actions, and expects us to be considerate of others.
Theft and Trespass
God believes in punishing thieves and trespassers. Even if goods are returned, a thief is to pay double the price of the goods to the original owner. Owners are not to be punished if a thief is killed while committing the crime. And trespassers including animals that cause a loss must pay double. We can seek restitution from thieves and trespassers today.
Stewardship
God wants us to be good stewards over the things people entrust to us. Even if goods are stolen or damaged, the person taking care of the goods could be held responsible. We are to be careful of the items that do not belong to us or compensate the owner for damages.
Personal Behavior
God wants us to be considerate of maidens, animals, strangers, widows and orphans. God does not want us to defile or trouble them. God’s anger can come against us for doing such things. We are to be kind in our actions even if we dislike the owner of an animal or the individual we are dealing with.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
These passages at the beginning of Exodus 22 make me think of the phrase “double for your trouble.” What phrase or quote do they make you think of?
Many movies and real life situations show new students and fatherless students being bullied at school. This goes against what God says about not troubling strangers and orphans. Have you ever done anything to stop individuals from bothering strangers or orphans that were around you?