How can practicing Exodus 23:4 strengthen our Christian witness in the world? The Verse in Focus “If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him.” (Exodus 23:4) Timeless Principle Behind the Command • God values tangible acts of mercy that override personal hostility. • The directive protects property, preserves life, and demonstrates a heart transformed by Him. • Obedience here is active love—meeting a real need instead of harboring resentment (cf. Leviticus 19:18). Ways to Put This Into Action Today • Return lost items, information, or opportunities that would benefit someone who has opposed you. • Speak up to defend an adversary when others misrepresent or slander that person. • Offer practical help in crises—meals, transport, childcare—even for rivals. • Refrain from exploiting a competitor’s vulnerability; choose integrity over advantage. • Pray privately for the good of anyone who has wronged you, then look for an opening to serve. How These Practices Strengthen Christian Witness • They display Christlike love that the world finds startling (John 13:35). • They silence accusations that believers are hypocritical or spiteful (1 Peter 2:12). • They provide living proof that reconciliation with God produces reconciliation with people (2 Corinthians 5:18–19). • They open doors for gospel conversations because kindness to an “enemy” sparks curiosity (Proverbs 25:21–22; Romans 12:20). • They cultivate unity within the church; outsiders notice when believers refuse to repay evil for evil (Romans 12:17). Scripture Echoes That Reinforce the Call • Matthew 5:44–45 — “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” • Luke 6:27 — “Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you.” • Galatians 6:10 — “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone…” • James 2:17 — “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Closing Encouragement Returning the stray “ox or donkey” of an enemy may feel small, yet heaven measures such moments as weighty evidence that Christ rules the heart. Each act of unearned kindness becomes a quiet sermon, convincing observers that the gospel is real, powerful, and worth hearing. |
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