DAILY TEXT, From today Friday May 19, 2023,  Keep supporting each other and forgiving generously (Col. 3:13).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Friday May 19

Keep putting up with one another and forgiving generously (Col. 3:13).

Almost everyone knows someone who has held a grudge against a coworker or schoolmate, or even a family member for years. Remember that Joseph's 10 half-brothers were so resentful of him that their hatred led them to do something terrible to him (Gen. 37:2-8, 25-28). But he did not pay them back in kind. When he had authority and the opportunity to take revenge on them presented himself, he preferred to show them mercy. Rather than hold a grudge against them, he acted in harmony with what was later written in Leviticus 19:18 (Gen. 50:19-21). The Christian who wants to please God should imitate the example of Joseph and forgive instead of holding a grudge or taking revenge. Jesus said that we must forgive those who sin against us (Matt. 6:9, 12). Similarly, the apostle Paul gave this advice to Christians: “Beloved, do not take revenge” (Rom. 12:19). w21.12 11 pars. 13, 14.

LET US BE HONEST IN BUSINESS

How does Leviticus chapter 19 help us understand what the Ten Commandments said?

Some verses in Leviticus chapter 19 give more details that help us understand what the Ten Commandments were saying. For example, the eighth simply said, "Do not steal" (Ex. 20:15). Someone might conclude that, in order to obey that commandment, it was enough to make sure you didn't take anything that wasn't yours. But he could be stealing in other ways.

How could a merchant violate the eighth commandment?

A merchant could affirm with conviction that he had never kept anything that did not belong to him. But did he always behave honestly in his business? At Leviticus 19:35, 36, Jehovah said: “Do not be dishonest in measuring length, weight, or volume. Use exact scales, exact weights, an exact measure for dry products and an exact measure for liquids.” If a merchant used inaccurate scales or measurements to deceive his customers, he would actually be stealing from them. This becomes even clearer when analyzing other verses in the 19th chapter of Leviticus.

In light of what Leviticus 19:11-13 says, what should the Christian ask himself about his business and labor practices? (See paragraphs 8 to 10).

How did Leviticus 19:11-13 help the Jews apply the principle behind the eighth commandment, and how does it help us?

(Read Leviticus 19:11-13). Leviticus 19:11 begins by saying, "Do not steal." And verse 13 connects theft with dishonesty in business by saying, "Don't let your neighbor down." So, if someone is dishonest in his business or labor dealings, he is stealing. The eighth commandment forbade stealing, but the details Leviticus added helped the Jews understand how they could apply the principle on which that law was based. It is good that we meditate on how Jehovah views dishonesty and theft. Ask yourself, “In light of Leviticus 19:11-13, should I make any changes, especially in my business dealings or work habits?”

How did the law found in Leviticus 19:13 protect workers?

There is another field in which the Christian who owns a business must make sure that he is honest. Leviticus 19:13 ends by saying, "Do not keep the wages of a hired hand all night until the next morning." In Israel, most people were engaged in agriculture, and those who worked for others were paid at the end of each day. If a worker did not receive his pay at the end of a day, he was left without the money he needed to feed his family that day. Jehovah explained: “He is in want and his life depends on his wages” (Deut. 24:14, 15; Matt. 20:8).

What lesson do we learn from Leviticus 19:13?

At present, many people do not receive their salary every day, but once or twice a month. But the principle of Leviticus 19:13 is still valid. Some bosses take advantage of their employees by paying them far less than is fair. They know that these people may have no choice but to continue working even if they are paid a pittance. In a sense, these employers are pocketing "the wages of a paid worker." If a Christian has a business with employees, he must take this matter very seriously. Let's see what else Leviticus chapter 19 teaches us.

What did Jesus emphasize by quoting from Leviticus 19:17, 18?

Jehovah does not just tell us not to hurt others. This is clearly seen in Leviticus 19:17, 18 (read it). There we read this mandate: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." This is essential for the Christian who wants to please God.

Let's see how Jesus emphasized the importance of the command found in Leviticus 19:18. On a certain occasion, a Pharisee asked him: "What is the most important commandment of the Law?" Jesus replied that “the first and greatest of the commandments” is to love Jehovah with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds. And then he quoted from Leviticus 19:18 by saying: “The second, which is similar, says: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself'” (Matt. 22:35-40). There are infinite ways to show love to your neighbor, but Leviticus chapter 19 will help us identify some of them.

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