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November 19 - Think About ItAfter serious thought, I rebuked the nobles and rulers, and said to them, "Each of you is exacting usury from his brother." So I called a great assembly against them. - Nehemiah 5:7
Nehemiah had heard the complaints of the people and the unspeakable things they were doing to their fellow Jew. They were "exacting usury" from their brethren. They were charging interest for the money they loaned their brothers and sisters. There is nothing God hates worse than for a believer to charge his brother or sister interest for money that is loaned to them. As Christians we are not to take advantage of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are not even supposed to expect anything in return from something loaned to our enemies. "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil." (Luke 6:35)
Nehemiah was upset, but before he acted he thought about, seriously thought about. He could have reacted out of anger, but he responded with righteous fury. He responded as a father to his child. He didn't angrily wave the belt around, he gave the situation serious thought. Many have left churches, left their families, and left their God because someone offended them. Perhaps there was legitimate reasons for their anger, but rather than giving it serious thought, they reacted. Of course many of us think about situations or even talk about them, but we do not "seriously" think about them. We don't take into account what our actions may lead to or even if they are biblical, we just want what is owed to us so we wave the belt around. We are offended so we react rather then thinking through everything and seeking God on the issue. The next time you have a problem, pray hard and give the situation serious thought. Don't just take your own feelings into account, but consider all the ramifications of your actions.
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