Exodus 22:1 (ESV)

Originally published 03/26/2015

This is God's idea of justice: "If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep" Exodus 22:1 (ESV). The offender is not put in jail, but has to make it right with the one who is the victim. God was more concerned with healing relationships than punishment, so there was no need for jails. The victim would actually benefit from the theft when the crime was solved. Lord, I am traveling today - remind me that my relationships with people I have to deal with are more important to you than my convenience, comfort, or plans. May every person I interact with feel that I care for them more than myself.

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