God’s instructions to the people long ago were to “show your fear of God by not taking advantage of each other” (Lev. 25:17).
In essence, God is saying: “In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you” (Matt. 7:12).
Imagine how God feels today when He looks down on His creation and observes the chaos humankind has perpetrated: a man charged with stabbing a 3-month-old baby; a high-ranking government official accused of money laundering; pseudo-Christians posting black people's heads on ape bodies, and public servants protecting pedophiles instead of victims. Know this: “A people without understanding will come to ruin” (Hosea 4:14)!
What shall we say? Whatever we do, heed God’s Word. As Paul said: “In this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before” (1 Thess. 4:6). Do not choose to ignore the truth, “the entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: 'Love your neighbor as yourself” (Gal. 5:14).
Strive to honor God and obey His Word.
Practice self-control, bear with one another, and forgive any grudge you may hold against another person or group.
Christians do not develop and execute “Revenge Lists.” Targeting entire groups of people, whether political or cultural, goes far beyond merely not taking advantage of one another.
In times like these, many groups target each other, spreading hate and creating mass casualties in an effort to return to a greater past that only existed in their minds. Look at what is happening in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Ukraine, parts of Africa, and across the Americas. Bloodshed follows bloodshed; therefore, the land mourns (Hosea 4:2-3). The people are destroyed because they reject God’s knowledge.
Whoever takes advantage of the poor, weak, and oppressed mocks God, for God said: “Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism” (Col. 3:25).
God’s desire is for those called by His name to follow the Lord’s Way and His Truth. Do not allow anyone to convince you otherwise. “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
We need to testify in the Lord that we no longer walk like the Gentiles, in the vanity of their minds (Eph. 4:17). The Lord is our witness that God wants us to stay alert, take care of one another, and ensure that no one in Christ ends up in fiery torment in Hades, begging the Lord to have mercy.
Hence, we should also give counsel to those who claim to know God but are futile in their thinking. Let us be courageous enough to put off the old way of life, which transgressed on others and succumbed to deceitful desires.
Do not allow anyone with an unspiritual mind to hinder your walk with God, for we are called to holiness.
Nettie Pennington is Associate Minister of Springfield Missionary Baptist Church. She is a regular contributor to the Tate Record Church Page.
