Strong Tower
A daily scripture exposition.
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Leviticus 25:36 NLT
“Do not charge interest or make a profit at his expense. Instead, show your fear of God by letting him live with you as your relative.”
Show your fear of God
In today’s referenced scripture, the good Lord provides practical instructions on how the Israelites should treat those among them who have fallen into poverty. The first key insight is the recognition of vulnerability; those in poverty are often in desperate situations, which may lead them to seek loans to cover essential needs or venture into business dealings with the hope of improving their circumstances.
The Lord clearly states that when they seek financial assistance, well-off people must not take advantage of their plight. Specifically, He instructs that lenders should not charge interest on loans extended to people experiencing poverty, emphasizing a system rooted in compassion rather than exploitation. Furthermore, during business transactions with individuals experiencing hardship, the affluent must conduct themselves ethically. While it is permissible for them to profit, such profits should be reasonable and not excessive, avoiding exploitation or greed.
Another vital lesson the Lord conveys is the necessity of embodying a genuine fear of Him through actionable kindness and support. This goes beyond merely talking about the plight of the impoverished; the expectation is that individuals within the community actively engage in efforts to elevate their circumstances. The Lord emphasizes the importance of ensuring that those in need are treated not merely as outsiders but as relatives—implying a deep sense of compassion and responsibility.
Living like a relative brings with it certain obligations. Those granted this responsibility must also act with the same care and consideration they would show to family members. They must not take advantage of their generosity. By fostering relationships that reflect familial bonds, the community can create an environment of support and solidarity, wherein everyone works together to uplift those in need, aligning closely with the true spirit of compassion that the Lord desires.
*Prayer*
Heavenly Father, I humbly ask for Your guidance in teaching me to embody my reverence for You. I pray for the strength to rise above any temptation to exploit the misfortunes of others for my gain. Instead, let my heart be compassionate, and my actions reflect Your love, ensuring I always seek the well-being of those around me. Please help me, Lord Jesus. Amen.
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