What would you do if the cashier at a store mistakenly gave you back more change than needed? Would you go back and return the extra money? What if you found a wallet full of money? Would you return it, or would you keep it?
The correct thing is always to return the money and the wallet, right? It’s not right for you to keep what isn’t yours.
That’s defrauding, and it’s a form of stealing.
God said in the eighth commandment found in Exodus 20:15: «You shall not steal.»
Why? Because it’s something that’s not right. No one wants to be friends with a thief.
You can’t trust someone who keeps things that belong to others.
Jesusis sad if you take advantage of others or you keep something that isn’t yours.
He wants you to behave even when nobody sees you. Jesus is happy when you help others and treat them well, because that way you show others the love of God.
People who take advantage of others are dishonest and in the end are always found out. No one wants to be friends with someone who is not honest and trustworthy.
It’s better to be honest and trust that Jesus will give you everything you need, without trying to take it away from others.
If you get used to being honest and trustworthy, you will be happy and make those around you happy as well.
Think back on a story in which you or a family member were honest and did not keep something that did not belong to you.
Ask Jesus in your Prayer Journal to help you be honest every day.