Am I Stealing?

O. T. #210 "Am I Stealing?"
Jan. 17, 2014
Exodus 22-Part 1
Thou shalt not steal.  Exodus 20:15

LET IT GLOW

If I withhold good from someone, am I stealing from them? If I think of a compliment to say and do not say it, is it stealing from them? If I do not provide what I can when another is in need, am I stealing? Do I steal parking places from others? Do I take a pen from a business? Do I take away another's confidence when criticizing? If I don't call and check on the sick? Am I stealing from others without considering it as such?

We have already studied the commandment that tells us to not steal.  In verses 1-15, we see further details of the Law given to Moses by God. This section involves the protecting of personal property. In each case, it is preceded by if.

The principle established in each was that proper restitution was to be made whenever someone caused loss to another's property. (Falwell)

These specific instances of property loss or damage and restitution dealt with:

• various kinds of thievery (paid back 4 or 5 times the amount stolen-compensate victims);
• the thief killed in the act at night wasn't murdered, but during the day it was homicide;
• property damage caused by animals and restitution (owners have a right to protect property);
• property lost due to a fire;
• loss of property entrusted to others.

Judges could derive principles that would help them decide cases that Moses did not explain in detail.

A man's word was taken as true unless proven otherwise. The oath of the Lord and between both parties, one denying stolen the other's goods, then the owner is to accept it as truth.  (Guzik)

Is our word truth?

LET IT GROW

It is better to not sue a brother in the world's courts, to just accept being wronged or cheated by another. (1 Cor. 6:1-8)
Is Paul saying that forgiveness and love is the better way for a Christian to act?

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus tells us to lay up treasures in heaven and not on earth, which can decay, rust, or be stolen, but to have our treasures in heaven where such does not happen. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Do we steal time from our employer, take away another's witness with gossip,

Am I a forgiving person that honors Jesus? Do I treat others like I want them to treat me?


LET IT GO

Be content with and grateful for what I have.

Teach others that it is wrong to steal by example.

Don't take from others, but give to them.