Exodus 23: 1 “Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.
Commentary on these verses contains this gem: “How you feel about someone does not determine right and wrong behavior towards them.” Unfortunately, few people keep that idea in mind when they behave. I’m guilty of it, too, though I continue trying to do better.
Exodus 23:2-3 “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, and do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit.
Years ago, I saw a billboard that has stuck with me as a general “This is how to love like God loves” rule of thumb: “Just love everyone. I’ll sort them out later. ~God” Am I perfect at that? Absolutely not. I fail at it every single day. But, thankfully, I get to try again tomorrow. And I know I’m better now at loving others as God loves than I was even yesterday, so I’ll keep trying.
Exodus 23:4 “If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it.
Precious Savior, It is so easy to follow the crowd in doing wrong, especially if that wrongdoing can be justified as innocuous, like not treating someone with basic love and kindness. Forgive me for the many ways I have failed in this area. Thank You for the ability to try again. Help me to do better. Amen.
Exodus 23:5 If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.
Have a blessed day.