"If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey wandering away, you shall surely return it to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying helpless under its load, you shall refrain from leaving it to him, you shall surely release it with him." -Exodus 23.4-5
We see here the beginning of a new way of thinking. When you think of an enemy you think of someone who is against you, someone who wants to destroy you, and naturally your reaction is to hate and fight back. If you have the opportunity to take an advantage over your enemy do it, hurt them before they can hurt you. But this isn't the mindset God wants His people to have. God doesn't want His people to live like everyone else.
God says that if you enemy's animal is wandering, get a hold of it and return it to him. Don't simply make a note about it and let him know, but make the effort and return it to him. If you see your enemies donkey under its load unable to move, set it free and save its life. Do what you can to help your enemy. God wants his people to do what is right, regardless of who that right action will benefit.
Men, what is your response to your enemies? In America we don't have to worry about returning oxen or donkeys, but what if you saw your enemy's lights on in their car? What if you drove by their house and saw that the door had been kicked in? What would your response be? Would you do the right thing, or simply keep moving because of who it was?
God wants us to take the time to do what's right. He wants us to do for our enemies what we would do for our closest friends. This line of thinking, rather this way of living, is one we'll see throughout the Bible. God is instructing His people to be set apart by how they live. So let us do what is right towards our enemies.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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