SEP 6

Ephesians 4:28
Memorise 1 John 3:17
"It is more blessed to give than to receive"

As we have seen in our study of the previous commandments, when something is forbidden in a commandment, the opposite is required as well. The force of each of these commandments goes far beyond just the negative prohibition. In this case, the commandment forbids stealing of any kind, but also carries a positive exhortation towards generosity and kindness towards your neighbour.

This idea is taught to us clearly in Ephesians 4:28, where Paul exhorts us to steal no longer, but instead to live an honest life, working hard to earn a living. We are told not only to support ourselves and our own family, but also to work so that we would have enough to give to those that are in need. This generous spirit is one of the characteristics that every true believer should have, as we are taught by Christ to be loving and compassionate. We must have a right perspective towards the things that we have, to understand that everything that we think we own in this life is not actually ours, but they are all blessings from God. God has given us everything that we have: our time, talent, money, every resource at our disposal. These are not things that we selfishly keep for ourselves and our own enjoyment, but are to be shared, to be utilised for the good of those around us. As John warns us in 1 John 3:17, “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”

Dear Teen, how are you using the gifts that God has given to you? Do you selfishly hoard all that you have and use it only for yourself? Or do you have a heart of compassion, always desiring to show forth love in whatever way that you can? Our generosity must extend beyond just dropping a few coins into a tin on the streets and collecting a sticker, or buying a raffle ticket for the next mass jog. We should actively seek out ways and means whereby we can be of a help and blessing to the people around us, and that through our testimony of love we be able to reach out and share the gospel, or encourage a brethren in need. It involves not just money, but also requires time and effort, utilising the energy, talents and opportunities that God has given to us, to be a blessing to others around us.

Thought: How often do I spare a thought for those in need around me?
Prayer: Lord, give me a heart of compassion that loves and cares for the people around me, and show me what I should do to help others.