03.14.2016 Old Testament: Deu 23.19–20

To read the Bible in a year, read Deuteronomy 23–25 on March 14, In the year of our Lord 2016

By Don Ruhl

Some people see their fellow Christians as a way to gain financially. They expect Christian business owners to give them discounts, or to put their work before others. Some Christians business owners expect their fellow disciples to buy from them.

Yet, the Law showed that we should not look to our brethren as a means of financial gain,

“You shall not charge interest to your brother—interest on money or food or anything that is lent out at interest. To a foreigner you may charge interest, but to your brother you shall not charge interest, that the LORD your God may bless you in all to which you set your hand in the land which you are entering to possess” (Deuteronomy 23.19–20).

Brethren do not exist for your benefit, nor are they easy ways to get ahead in life. We exist to serve one another, to be givers, not takers.

Questions:

• How would other people picture you: As a giver or as a taker?
• When you enter a Christian business do you expect something, or do you give to them?