Exodus 23:4 If you encounter your enemy’s ox wandering off, you must certainly bring it back to him. If you see that the donkey, belonging to someone who hates you, has fallen under a heavy load, you must be sure to stop and help.
Some people think the Old Testament has no relevance today, yet here is a verse that proposes godly, relevant instruction. Not only are we commanded to love our enemies with kindness and prayers, this verse demands we take action to help when they are in need. Assist those who hate you? Even if someone is trying to crush you, help them not to be crushed? Yes – that is beyond difficult. But this is the kingdom of God.
Currently hatred flourishes. Many people are getting swept up in blind emotion. Even Christians are contributing their voices to the dark power of hate. Others want to follow Christ, yet don’t want to be seen as weak. Exodus 23:4, isn’t about weakness, rather it requires great strength. The challenge, no matter our view of any issue, is to stand on our convictions while loving even those who desire our demise. The children of God must truly rise above the hatred and be strong.
The verse preceding verse 4 says, “You must not follow a crowd into evil deeds.” A follower of Jesus must never allow himself to follow a crowd, whether physical or virtual, bent on hatred and destruction. We cannot serve two masters. Therefore, we have this one great command we must obey: love. We must guard our hearts and monitor our actions according to these foundations: Pray for those who abuse you. Speak the truth in love. And if your enemy loses something, don’t rejoice, help him find it. If he is being crushed by a heavy burden, don’t make it worse, lend a hand.
This path is challenging to walk, but as we allow God to give us the courage and strength to obey his command, it causes us to shine in great contrast to the hard and darkened world.