February 26, 2026

Today's Reading: Catechism: Seventh Commandment

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 11:27-12:20; Mark 4:21-41

“We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor’s money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.” (Luther’s Small Catechism, The Seventh Commandment - What does this mean?)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The letter of the law says, “You shall not steal.” (That’s in Exodus 20:15 by the way. God also reiterates this command for the Israelite people in Leviticus 19:11 and Deuteronomy 5:19. Jesus also emphasizes the importance of this commandment, as recorded in Matthew 19:18, Mark 10:19, and Luke 18:10). Why does it matter whether or not we steal? 

First of all, it tells us that God cares about your possessions. After all, whatever you have in this life is ultimately a gift from Him. Remember that the explanation to the First Article of the Creed in Luther’s Small Catechism says God “gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life.” This truth is reinforced when we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread,” which includes God’s daily provision for you. Isn’t it interesting how all of these things are related and how the Seventh Commandment protects those gifts that God has given to you? 

In our sinfulness, we’re inclined to focus only upon ourselves, our own possessions, and the blessings that God has given to us. We’re also tempted to gain more possessions for ourselves through dishonesty and deceit. But God calls us to put others above ourselves and recognize the gifts that He has given to them as well. 

Therefore, we do not follow only the letter of the law but also the spirit of the law. As those redeemed by Christ and washed clean from the stain of sin, we are called to help our neighbor improve and protect his possessions and income. We should be willing to use the gifts, money, and possessions that God has given us in this life (not only to meet our own bodily needs) but to generously help our neighbors as a way of serving them in the service of Christ.  

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Heavenly Father, You are a giver of all good gifts and have blessed me abundantly in this life. Thank you for caring for me and providing people in my life to help me to improve and protect the gifts You’ve given. Forgive me for those times when I have selfishly neglected to serve my neighbor and have been dishonest in my gain of worldly possessions. Help me to love and serve my neighbor the way that You love and serve Your creation. Amen.     

Rev. Chad Hoover serves as Campus Pastor and theology teacher at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, IN and pastoral assistant at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, IN.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

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