Addressing Graciousness in Lending

Addressing Graciousness in Lending

Exodus 22: ²⁵ “If you lend money to any of My people who are poor among you, you shall not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him interest. ²⁶ If you ever take your neighbor’s garment as a pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down. ²⁷ For that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What will he sleep in? And it will be that when he cries to Me, I will hear, for I am gracious.

 

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GOD continued speaking to Moses. This time HE spoke about lending.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave the capability for people to raise money for themselves without HIS intervention and some people would be poor.
• Some poor people may need to borrow money or things from those who have more.
• GOD wants those who lend money or things, to be gracious and different than shrewd business people.

 

“If you lend” does not mean you have to lend. But if you do, then be gracious. The children of Israel had not been free for 430 years. Their mindset was on being in need versus being the one who lends. Since they did not have the mindset of a gracious lender, their only example may have been moneylenders who charge interest.

 

GOD takes it a step further. HE mentions if a person holds a garment as collateral, the lender should be gracious and give it back before sundown. Here, GOD goes into detail about graciousness. I believe HE is saying that if a person complains about the lender who holds his only garment as collateral, then GOD will listen to the borrower versus the lender. Why? Because GOD is gracious.

 

The condition is this is the person’s only garment. Something precious. We get a lot of insight about GOD in this set of rules. People will be poor. People will be wealthy. The way to please GOD is with graciousness on either side. GOD made us in HIS image. This means we have the capability to show grace, no matter what circumstance we are in.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS graciousness?
• Have you ever loaned someone money and acted worse than moneylenders?
• Have you self-examined your graciousness when it comes to borrowing or lending?

Most Grace Required

 Most Grace Required

1 Corinthians 11: ⁶ If the woman does not cover her head, she might as well cut her hair. And since it is a shameful thing for a woman to shave her head or cut her hair, she should cover her head. ⁷ A man has no need to cover his head, because he reflects the image and glory of God. But woman reflects the glory of man; ⁸ for man was not created from woman, but woman from man. ⁹ Nor was man created for woman's sake, but woman was created for man's sake. ¹⁰ On account of the angels, then, a woman should have a covering over her head to show that she is under her husband's authority. ¹¹ In our life in the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. ¹² For as woman was made from man, in the same way man is born of woman; and it is God who brings everything into existence.

 

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Again, Paul continues on a confusing subject. He continues to discuss the structure GOD put in place during the curse in Genesis 3. But where is he going with this? Looking at it from an authoritarian position, it looks like there is a hierarchy to win arguments and to blame. BUT GOD is in there.

 

• GOD wants me to not be independent of my wife.
• GOD wants me to take HIS creation process seriously.
• GOD wants me to reflect HIS image and HIS glory.

 

Wait, what did that last part mean? Reflect the image and glory of GOD? This is a tall responsibility. The only thing I can see is, the closer the person, the more the grace is required.

 

But this passage doesn’t talk about how to do that. Well, it kinda does. “Our life in the LORD” is the statement that shows us how to fight life’s phobias and fears that each person brings into a marriage.

 

Forgiving and serving a neighbor is easy, but how about a spouse? It takes a special kind of grace to remain married in the structure of a curse. JESUS showed this grace and wants man to reflect it to his wife, who was made specifically for him.

 

Grace needs to be taught and cannot be achieved. It is undeserving and requires admittance. It should be given in large doses and expected when two people are dependent on one another.

 

Again, no challenge questions because pondering grace is hard enough.

Good Example

Good Example

1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, then, just as I imitate Christ.

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 Going through life on my own, I had to figure things out by myself. When someone in my life did the wrong thing, I would seek another source to learn how to do the “right thing. The problem with that approach is people kept doing the “wrong” thing and I ran out of options.

 

• Many times I needed a good example and could not find one.
• Many times I needed some guidance, but could not find a guide.
• Many times I needed help, but was left helpless to figure it out on my own.

 Paul makes a huge statement when he says “Imitate me, then, just as I imitate CHRIST.” One could be fooled into thinking he thought more highly of himself and he was trying to build a following because he had it all together. This is quite the opposite. He was pointing to CHRIST.

 

• GOD wants me to tell people “I have a messed up life” BUT JESUS made me whole.
• GOD wants me to say to people “I am broken BUT JESUS made me whole.”
• GOD wants me to speak to people about CHRIST versus pointing to my actions.

 Saying that I am good will never work. I mean, I’m not “good” because JESUS is the only one who is. My righteousness is like used toilet paper. BUT JESUS cleaned me up and made me an ambassador for HIM.

 

HE saw through my sin and died for me anyway. What makes this special is, HE did this without blame. HE simply loved me. HE gets excited when I tell people about HIM. I can say “Imitate me only when I imitate CHRIST.”

 

• Do you need an example of CHRIST?
• Are you looking for humans to be the perfect example?
• Will you stop waiting for humans to fail and see the times when they imitate CHRIST as their example?

Looking for Grace and Peace

 

Looking for Grace and Peace

1 Corinthians 1: From Paul, who was called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes—

 

² To the church of God which is in Corinth, to all who are called to be God's holy people, who belong to him in union with Christ Jesus, together with all people everywhere who worship our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:

 

³ May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

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Sleep eluded me as I felt the pressures of the pending deadline approaching. Day and night I worked but to no avail. I went to sleep, only to wake up thinking about work. I got up and satisfied the needs of the project. I arrived to work exhausted. I turned in the project, on time. “You misspelled some words” were the only comment.

 

• There have been times when I looked for peace after the turmoil.
• There have been times when I thought I could find peace through accomplishments and money.
• There have been times when I sought grace for mistakes I made.

 

Paul seemed to have a special tie to the people of Corinth. He mentioned Sosthenes, a Jewish leader who suffered a beating because he spoke about JESUS and agreed with Paul. Paul knew that those who were called would be ridiculed and persecuted by those who were supposed to be showing the love of GOD. He gives a solution to prepare those who are called.

 

• GOD wants me to seek grace by admitting I need a Savior.
• GOD wants me to seek peace from HIM alone.
• GOD wants me to confess to the FATHER that JESUS is my Savior so HE can send the HOLY SPIRIT to me, who in turn, brings me grace and peace.

 

Grace and peace will always elude me when I am not seeking it from the true source. Humans think a larger bank account or a certain brand of material things will bring peace. BUT GOD is the only source of grace and peace. HE withholds these precious implements from those who do not seek HIM.

 

GOD does something strange. HE pours out grace and peace to those who are called and who are worshipping our LORD JESUS CHRIST. While the world looks on with judgmental wrong labels, GOD gets excited to those who can mention the name of JESUS as their source of grace and peace. I gladly accept GOD’s grace and peace through JESUS who is my Savior.

 

• What do you think would bring you peace?
• Do you think a larger bank account or a better title or another material trinket will bring you peace?
• Have you taken inventory over your stuff to see if you have received grace and peace yet?
• Will you stop pursuing grace and peace “your” way and allow GOD to pour them out on you in abundance only when you surrender your life to JESUS today?

Could Be Having a Bad Day

 Could Be Having a Bad Day

Romans 14: Welcome those who are weak in faith, but do not argue with them about their personal opinions. ² Some people's faith allows them to eat anything, but the person who is weak in the faith eats only vegetables. ³ The person who will eat anything is not to despise the one who doesn't; while the one who eats only vegetables is not to pass judgment on the one who will eat anything; for God has accepted that person. ⁴ Who are you to judge the servants of someone else? It is their own Master who will decide whether they succeed or fail. And they will succeed, because the Lord is able to make them succeed.

 

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Excited to get a good meal, I sat at the table and thought of how tasty it would be. This was a restaurant recommended by the hotel, so it must be good. I sat and sat. No one came to the table. I flagged a waitress over and she said “I will get your waitress.” When she arrived, her face was sad with a slight bit of anger. She gave me “bad” service.

 

• There have been times when I wanted to complain to the manager about someone.
• There have been times when I wanted to tell the boss about what someone was doing wrong.
• There have been times when I wanted to make sure the person who was giving me “bad” service would fail and hopefully be fired.

 

Paul continues with his strange message. At the core, he is speaking about respecting other people. The three people he mentions, remind me of a restaurant. One patron orders the everything platter while another table orders the salad bowl.

 

Both could ask the question “Why did that table order that kind of food?” in a judgmental way. Meanwhile both patrons judge the wait staff, not knowing the full story.

 

• GOD wants me to welcome those who are weak in faith.
• GOD wants me to hold back any arguments I may have, trying to convince someone to grow and simply accept the person, just like HE does.
• GOD wants me to become part of HIS success by removing judgment of the workers of churches, businesses or households I encounter.

 

Finding something wrong with the way someone does things is easier and easier these days. I mean, I can watch a video of how things are supposed to go, but when I try the experience it may not go as I have expected. I then have a choice, complain or give grace. GOD wants me to understand grace more than I want to at times. I mean “that” person is clearly wrong and should be told about it, right? Maybe. BUT GOD wants me to understand grace first.

 

Remember the sad, scowling waitress I encountered. Turns out she had a serious situation at home. I said I would pray for her and she shed a tear and gave me great service from then on. I tipped heavily. I am grateful GOD gives me a second chance, especially from those who judge me. HE makes me succeed.

 

• Are you judging someone?
• Are you saying to yourself “I wouldn’t do it that way?”
• Will you stop judging others and join the LORD who is willing and able to make them succeed?

Great Grace

Great Grace

Acts 4: ³² Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. ³³ And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. ³⁴ Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, ³⁵ and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

³⁶ And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, ³⁷ having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

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Getting into the light, I could see that my tie was not matching. It was too late as I rushed to get to work. Unfortunately the traffic was thick that particular day. With stuffy nose, I went to the office medicine cabinet and took a decongestant so I could focus on the meeting.

In the middle of the meeting, my nose started bleeding. I had to excuse myself. “Could this day get any worse?” I said to myself. When I returned, the person who I met with said, “”Relax, the world is not falling apart as you may think. Let’s do this again later.”

• There have been many times I have messed up and received grace.
• There have been many times I have not had myself together and received grace.
• There have been many times I have not done the right things, been at the right places or said the right words and received grace.

The apostles preached about JESUS with “great power.” I can only imagine the excitement in their voices. Every detail they could remember was recorded in the minds of those who believed. They too became so excited they wanted to do something for those in need. Selfishness was thrown away and replaced with something else.

• GOD wants me to replace my selfishness with a desire to be generous.
• GOD wants me to trade in my fear of self-preservation and help other people.
• GOD wants me to remove my focus on just “me” and include “us” in the equation.

What is interesting is the progression that took place. Genuine preaching about JESUS excited the crowd to give directly to those in need in the community. From there, “great grace” followed. Their hearts were so full, they did not care about getting more, rather seeing the community flourish in time of need. I am grateful for GOD’s great grace HE has poured out on me.

• Are you in need of GOD’s great grace?
• Have you messed up in a huge way and think you are beyond grace?
• Will you look to GOD who’s grace is greater than any sin you could have done?
• Will you believe in JESUS who has the greatest grace just for you?

Before Accusing

Before Accusing

John 8: ⁴ they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. ⁵ Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” ⁶ This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.

⁷ So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” ⁸ And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. ⁹ Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. ¹⁰ When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”

¹¹ She said, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

¹² Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

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“Ooo, I’m telling” was my threat to my adversary. Getting this person in trouble and seeing them punished was my goal so I added a few items just to make sure the sentence was harsh.

Unfortunately the person I spoke to used discernment and made me settle the issue I had with the person I was telling on. They also gave me a warning. “Be careful of accusing someone or you may get in trouble yourself.”

• Many times I wanted to accuse someone.
• Many times I wanted to see “that” person get in trouble.
• Many times I wanted to see justice served because of my accusation.

JESUS discerned the motives of the church leaders. HE wrote something on the ground that may have scared them. Did HE write the names of those who also committed adultery? Or did JESUS write specific hidden sins of the church leaders? We do not know. BUT JESUS did something else.

• JESUS forgives me in the middle of my sin.
• JESUS has compassion for me, knowing I need HIM.
• JESUS ignores my accuser, the devil, by giving me the HOLY SPIRIT who pleads for me on my behalf.

Before accusing anyone, GOD wants me to check my motive for accusing them. Do I want to restore this person or tear them down? If it is the latter of the two, then I may be accused of hatred by GOD HIMSELF. I am grateful GOD forgives me.

• Are you slandering someone?
• Do you speak harshly about other people?
• Will you stop trying to get others in trouble and seek GOD’s restoration so they can bring others to HIM today?