How can we apply Exodus 23:4 to our interactions with adversaries today? Exodus 23:4 — The Command Restated “If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him.” (Exodus 23:4) Exploring the Original Setting • The verse appears in a series of civil laws given at Sinai, stressing practical righteousness. • An ox or donkey represented a family’s livelihood; losing one could threaten survival. • God required His people to act for an enemy’s welfare even when it cost time and effort. A Principle for Every Generation • Tangible compassion overrides personal animosity. • Property, reputation, and wellbeing of an opponent matter to God. • Obedience displays trust that the Lord is Judge, freeing us to do good. Bringing It Home — Practical Applications • Return a lost wallet, phone, or piece of mail that belongs to someone hostile toward you. • Defend an adversary’s reputation when you know misinformation is spreading. • Offer help when a rival’s vehicle breaks down, lawn needs mowing, or family faces crisis. • Support an opposing coworker’s project when your expertise can prevent failure. • Refrain from social-media gloating when an enemy stumbles; instead, provide a respectful word or helpful resource. • Pay back debts promptly and fairly, even if the lender has treated you poorly. Scriptural Support for Loving Adversaries • Proverbs 25:21-22: “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.” • Matthew 5:44: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” • Romans 12:20 echoes Proverbs, tying the principle to New-Covenant living. • Luke 6:35: “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return.” • Galatians 6:10: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone…” Witnessing Through Unexpected Kindness Doing good to adversaries breaks the cycle of retaliation and highlights the gospel’s transforming power. When believers treat opponents as image-bearers worthy of help, the world glimpses the mercy God extended to us while we were “enemies” (Romans 5:10). Guardrails for Wise Obedience • Act within legal and ethical boundaries; helping never requires enabling wrongdoing. • Seek counsel if safety is in question. • Keep motives pure—service rendered for God’s approval, not manipulative leverage. • Leave outcomes to the Lord; the command is to return the ox, not to guarantee gratitude. Living the Verse Today Every encounter with an adversary offers a chance to mirror the heart of God revealed at Sinai and perfected in Christ. Small, concrete acts of goodwill become modern ways of returning the stray ox and letting light shine before others. |
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