The Greatest Commandment: One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. Mark 12:28-32
Don’t take advantage of the poor. God insists that economic systems reflect mercy. Even collateral (like a cloak) must be returned so a person can sleep warmly. Justice and compassion walk together. When mercy is rare and greed is common, we are called to be different. To lend without trapping, to give without boasting, to restore what others discard. Because the God who sees the widow and the orphan also sees the systems that exploit, and He calls His people to stand in the gap.
It reads in Exodus 22: 25–27 Easy: “If you loan money to any of my people, that is, the poor among you, don’t be like a moneylender and charge them interest. You might take their cloak to make sure they pay the money back, but you must give that cloak back to them before sunset. That cloak might be their only protection against the cold when they lie down to sleep. If they call to me for help, I will listen because I am kind.
Father God, remind us to show mercy in our lending and to protect those in need. Give us compassion that honors the dignity of the poor, wisdom to act justly, and generosity that reflects Your heart. Help us to return what is needed so no one goes cold or ashamed. Love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
Care To Plant 