TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Ephesians 4:28
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​Memorize this Verse: (Cover the verse text and using just the first letters of each word try to recite the entire passage.)
28. L H T S S N M B R L H L W W H H T T W I G T H M H T G T H T N

Notes on this verse:

“Steal no more”: Stealing in any form is a sin and has no part in the life of a Christian. Rather, let him work, producing what is beneficial (Exodus 20:15). The alternative to stealing is to provide for oneself, one’s family, and others what is God honoring through honest, honorable means (2 Thess. 3:10-11; 1 Tim. 5:8).

Grand larceny, petty theft, taking some of your dad’s money off the dresser, reneging on a debt, not paying fair wages or pocketing what a clerk overpays in change are all stealing. There is simply no end to ways we can steal, and whatever the ways are and whatever the chances for being caught, stealing is sin and has no part in the new walk of the new man in Christ.

“Give to him that needeth”: A Christian not only should harm no one but should continually endeavor to help those who are in need (see Luke 14:13-14; Acts 20:33-35). a Christian’s desire to earn more should be for the purpose of being able to give more and help more. Beyond providing for his own and family basic needs, he gains so he can give.

The alternative to stealing is to labor, in order to share with him who has need. It is God’s plan for everyone to work who is able to do so.

“If anyone will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all” (2 Thess. 3:10-11).

The Christian who does not work and “provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:8).

It is very disturbing to me to see someone who proclaims Christianity, who is not honest in his business dealings. Stealing is a sin. We should have lost the desire to steal, when we buried the old man of flesh. The new man in Christ, has no desire to steal or commit any sin.

A Christian should never be involved in a job, profession, work or business that demands compromise of God’s standards, that dishonors Him, violates His holy commands, or misleads or harms others in any way.

The Scripture above says to get you an honest job and make a living working and not by stealing.

TODAY'S BIBLE READING

February 27

​Our Bible Reading Plan runs from the 1st to the 25th of each month. The next reading will be on the 1st of next month. Check back then!