Theme: THE LOVE OF GOD
Text: “If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.” – Exodus 23:4, 5.
Comment: This text highlights the fact that people of God should do good even to those who regard themselves as their enemies. If the ox or ass of the person is in difficulty they should not delay to help. Our Lord Jesus Christ commanded his disciples to love not only themselves but also those who are outside the faith, as it is written: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust…” – Matthew 5:43-45.
Job the prophet stated he never wished those who hated him evil or rejoiced at their downfall and that he was kind to strangers. (Job 31:29-32) Indeed, believers are enjoined to show love to those who are not natural Jews (strangers), or non-indigenes. “And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” – Leviticus 19:33, 34.