How can believers encourage others to "stop dispossessing My people" in society? Taking God’s Word to Heart “ ‘You have gone too far, O princes of Israel… Stop dispossessing My people,’ ” declares the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 45:9) God speaks with finality—His people must never be stripped of what He has entrusted to them. The command is literal, timeless, and backed by His authority. How do we help others hear and heed it today? Seeing Why It Matters • God owns the land and the people (Leviticus 25:23). • Dispossessing fellow believers disregards His covenant love (Deuteronomy 19:14). • Oppression provokes divine judgment; justice invites blessing (Isaiah 10:1–3; Psalm 41:1). Living as a Credible Example • Steward what you manage—time, money, influence—so no one can accuse you of grasping for yourself (1 Peter 5:2–3). • Treat every person—especially the poor, immigrant, unborn, elderly—as image-bearers with inviolable God-given rights (Genesis 1:27; Proverbs 14:31). • Settle debts promptly; honor agreements; keep promises (Romans 13:7–8). Speaking Up with Scripture When a friend, coworker, or leader is poised to “dispossess” others—through unfair pay, predatory policies, or social contempt—bring God’s Word to bear: • “Seek justice, correct the oppressor” (Isaiah 1:17). • “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor” (Proverbs 22:22). • “Open your mouth for those with no voice” (Proverbs 31:8–9). A gentle, confident reminder that God watches can arrest sinful plans faster than human reasoning alone (Hebrews 4:12). Advocating Together • Form church-based benevolence teams to meet urgent needs so no one loses home or livelihood (Acts 4:34–35). • Support legislation that defends property rights and protects the vulnerable; oppose laws that confiscate or devalue life and liberty (Romans 13:3–4). • Partner with faithful ministries rescuing victims of trafficking, persecution, or disaster. Confronting Corporate and Civic Systems • In the workplace: push for transparent wages, fair schedules, honest contracts (James 5:4). • In housing: encourage responsible zoning and lending practices that allow families to thrive, not collapse under debt (Nehemiah 5:1–13). • In education: advocate that every child, rich or poor, receives truthful teaching rooted in God’s moral order (Deuteronomy 6:6–9). Equipping the Next Generation • Teach children that “the earth is the LORD’s” (Psalm 24:1) and people are not commodities. • Encourage teens to view careers as callings to serve, not platforms to exploit (Colossians 3:23–24). • Disciple new believers to tithe, give, and budget biblically, cutting off greed at the root (1 Timothy 6:6–10). Trusting God’s Outcome • God defends those robbed of dignity (Psalm 12:5). • He promises secure dwelling for the upright (Proverbs 2:21). • Obedience today anticipates the coming Kingdom, where dispossession will be impossible and Christ will reign in perfect justice (Isaiah 32:1; Revelation 21:4). May our words, actions, and communities clearly invite everyone around us to hear the Lord’s urgent call: “Stop dispossessing My people.” |
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