Q 113: How do the redeemed of the Lord honor all men’s persons and property?

A 113: The redeemed of the Lord honor the persons and property of men by taking care not to harm or otherwise act unjustly toward them or their possessions. (Lev. 19.14; Deut. 22.1-4; Ex. 21.35, 36; Ex. 21.18, 19; Ex. 21.16)

Much is involved in fulfilling our obligations toward the property of others, besides the obvious requirement of not stealing from our neighbors. Part of this has to do with how we maintain and use our own property. For example, does the way we keep our home and yard lift or drag down the property values of our neighbors? And how about the way we operate our vehicles on the road? Do we endanger others and their property, or do we drive so as to maximize the safety of all? Honoring others and their property is as much a matter of the heart as of actual deeds. Unless we hold our neighbors in high regard – neighbor-love – we are not likely to care much about their property or possessions. The harder we work at keeping the fifth commandment, the easier it will be to keep the eighth.

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