12/14- 10 Commandments 6, 7, 8- Do not
murder, commit adultery, steal
Read: “Do not murder. Do not steal another person’s spouse. Do not steal.”
“Stolen bread is sweet but it turns to gravel in the mouth.” (Proverbs 20:17)
“The angel said, ‘Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife…for what is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit…the virgin shall be with child and give birth to a Son and they shall call Him ‘Immanuel’ which means God with us.’” (Mt. 1:20ff)
Read: “Do not murder. Do not steal another person’s spouse. Do not steal.”
“Stolen bread is sweet but it turns to gravel in the mouth.” (Proverbs 20:17)
“The angel said, ‘Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife…for what is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit…the virgin shall be with child and give birth to a Son and they shall call Him ‘Immanuel’ which means God with us.’” (Mt. 1:20ff)
Thoughts: These commandments ask us to not
do any harm to our neighbor. It is a
part of the commandment to love our neighbor as yourself. These commands also tell us that life,
marriage and property are something important and we should protect them. They also involve taking what is not ours to
take. The opposite of this is giving,
encouraging and loving. These
commandments teach us to respect others and care for their feelings and lives. God gives us all we have- our lives, our
relationships, our possessions. To steal
things goes against God’s blessing. Do
not take what you have not paid for in a store, or take a toy or game that is
not yours without clear permission first.
It is hard to believe, but more is stolen around Christmas than any
other time. Yet Christmas is about God gave us- free- if we will take Him- His
only Son. When we take and believe in
Jesus we will have another gift that no one can steal from us- eternal life! The opposite of stealing and killing is
giving. Around Christmas we celebrate
the gift of Jesus, and we also celebrate that the wise men came and gave gifts
to Jesus.
Activity:
Have you ever had something that was taken that was not yours? Today, take something from another family
member for one day (do not tell them ahead of time; take it for one day; then
tell them the next day). Sometimes it
can make you feel good if you get away with it.
The Bible says “stolen bread is sweet but it turns to gravel in the
mouth.” Stealing ends up hurting us
whether it is cheating or stealing.
Prayer: Lord, let me see
everything I have is a gift from you.
Help me to respect the gifts you give to others.
The Wise Men Giving Gifts in response to God's Great Gift of Jesus.
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