Exodus 22:25 (RSV)

Originally published 04/02/2015

How to help a follower of God who is poor: "If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him. If ever you take your neighbor's cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep? And if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate" Exodus 22:25 (EV). God encourages those who have money to be compassionate by not profiting from the need of a brother. He requires those who borrow to be responsible to repay what they borrow so they retain their dignity and self-respect. Both parties have gained spiritually in serving God. Lord, help me be responsible with what you have given me and to show respect and compassion for everyone I meet today.


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