God wants his people to honor marriage. Divorce is allowed in the Law only as a concession (Mt 19:8), and God gives rules about re-marriage. Violating these rules is detestable to God. Moreover, a newly married man is encouraged to make his wife happy. Will you pray for a God-centered view of marriage in our society?

God's people must consider people's livelihoods and treat the poor with respect. Millstones, needed daily to make bread, could not be taken as security for debt. No one is allowed to go into someone's home to get a pledge for a loan; the pledge is to be brought out to them. A cloak given in pledge for a loan is to be returned by sunset. Poor and needy workers are to be paid daily. Foreigners and the fatherless must be treated fairly. The cloak of a poor widow is not to be taken in pledge.

God also tells his people to leave behind overlooked sheafs in their fields and to beat the olive trees only once. Vineyards should only be picked once. Something must be left for poor and vulnerable people. God reminds his people that they were once slaves, and therefore, must show mercy and respect for the less fortunate. We, too, were once slaves of sin. Jesus has set us free. Remember who you were and be compassionate.


Application: Father, thank you for setting me free from slavery to sin. Help me to be merciful to the needy.
One Word: You, too, were once slaves