We can take for granted the idea that any money loaned to someone should be paid back with interest; this is seen as normal. Secular culture often judges things on a purely functional basis, whereby acquiring wealth and even gaining at the expense of another is simply the way things are. In contrast, God has always judged things from a “heart perspective.” What’s the motivation behind our actions? Are we fueled by desire for our own gain, or by compassion, love, and a desire to glorify God?
God’s laws in Exodus 22 were designed to ensure that His people always acted fairly, possessing a heart attitude of compassion and justice that reflected His own. The Israelites were to display integrity, honesty, kindness, and love to one another. In charging interest to one of your own people, it was possible that you were taking advantage of someone’s financial hardship. This showed a lack of love and misrepresented the character of God.
In verse 26, note how God told His people to return a person’s cloak, even if it was taken as a pledge. It didn’t matter to Him what the business transaction was—He required His people to care about a person’s well-being at all times, including those who couldn’t defend themselves (Exodus 22:16,22).
God has put His laws in the hearts of believers in Jesus. The Holy Spirit guides us from within—helping us to understand and live out the wisdom of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). How can we be more generous today, not only with our money, but—even more—with our time, our kindness, and our love for all people? When we give, let’s not always expect a return, but simply rejoice in God using us to build His kingdom.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Kings 18:16-46
More:
Read Luke 6:27-31 and consider what it means to live out this challenging Scripture.
Next:
Is there something you’re holding back from God? Family, career, ministry? Is it time to set your heart free by handing over control to Him?
Gary Shultz on April 19, 2017 at 5:18 am
Hi Russell: I’m very pleased you included the last paragraph of not just donating finances, but whatever God wants us to use. It is much easier sometimes to place a respectable amount in the offering or give to a good organization. We feel like we have done or part, when God has asked us for any and all of what we have to be available or used. I don’t think we can feel free until we loosen our grip and enjoy what God allows us to have and to use what He wants us to use. We need fear nothing because God has chosen a path and direction for our lives as well as our assets. You are correct, when we open access to God everything, it all becomes an offering, and a blessing back to what God puts in our hand. It’s not always easy, but it is freeing. Thanks Russell
Tom Felten on April 19, 2017 at 8:51 am
“What’s the motivation behind our actions?” Great question, Russell. It calls us to consider what’s going on in our heart and what we truly believe about God. As Jesus said, “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart” (Luke 6:45). May the Holy Spirit work in our hearts today, producing good things that will glorify God and bless others.
godlove on April 19, 2017 at 10:40 am
Thank you for this devo, Russell. I think the key to living out God’s love for us and in us is summarized nicely in one verse from the passage cited in the More section; from the words of Jesus in Luke 6.31, “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.”