A Rich Source of Blessings

Daily Devotional: Thursday, September 23, 2021

Return their cloak by sunset so that your neighbor may sleep in it

Deuteronomy 24:13 (NIV)

A single mother has not paid house rent for some months. The property owner removes part of her roof and door to force her to pay up or leave. Her young children are now at the mercies of the scorching sun, rain and thieves.

Yes, the landlord deserves his rent. Yes, the tenant must pay rent on time. However, does humanity count?

In Deuteronomy 24:10–11, we read. “When you make a loan of any kind to your neighbor, do not go into their house to get what is offered to you as a pledge. Stay outside and let the neighbor to whom you are making the loan bring the pledge out to you.”

God says, Do not humiliate those who owe you. Avoid making a scene when you are taking the collateral you deserve for the money you are lending.

That was not all. “If the neighbor is poor, do not go to sleep with their pledge in your possession. Return their cloak by sunset so that your neighbor may sleep in it.” (Deuteronomy 24:12-13).

Your poor debtor is still a human being—a child of God. Be compassionate to him. Do not prioritize your need and pride at the expense of the dignity and humanity of those you assist.

Here is something that might motivate you to be kindhearted: “Then they will thank you, and it will be regarded as a righteous act in the sight of the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 24:3).

God expects us to be kind to others, including those we assist and those who owe us.

Almighty God, help me to be compassionate to all.