Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 5:42

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From the Word: Give to the one who asks you, and do not reject the one who desires to borrow from you. (Matthew 5:42)

From the Confessions: The Small Catechism 

The Seventh Commandment

You shall not steal.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not rob our neighbors of their money or property or take from them by unfair dealing or fraud, but help them to improve and protect their property and means of making a living.

Pulling It Together: We must read the Bible with the eyes of faith, instead of allowing feelings to interpret Scripture. Too often, passages like today’s verse leave us with a sense of guilt. We remind ourselves: I drove right by that homeless guy with the sign asking for money on my way to work this morning. Bless our hearts; we were driving to work to take care of those whom God entrusted to our care, not to give away their means of support. We have a responsibility to those whom God has enjoined by vocation. For example, if God has placed you in the role of parent, that vocation requires giving and lending to those in need: your spouse and child. Do not give their living to someone whom God has not placed in your life. That would be stealing from those whom God has entrusted to your care.

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to be faithful to my vocation. Amen.

Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.

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Reading and Discussion of Luther's Catechisms is a more challenging study series based on assigned readings from the Book of Concord and related Scripture texts. Each study is comprised of eight sessions, plus an optional introductory session, presented in a question and discussion format. 

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