Love MY neighbor as MY self.

Deuteronomy 2:4-6 -  Give the people these orders: ‘You are about to pass through the territory of your relatives the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, but be very careful.  Do not provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, not even enough to put your foot on. I have given Esau the hill country of Seir as his own.   You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink.

Moses continued to recount the journey God took the people he had called Moses to lead. He started where he had left off…and covered the trek from Seir to the refusal of King Sihon to let them pass through his land. They conquered every land as they traveled closer to the Promised land…except for two…the land he gave to Lot…and the land he gave to Esau.

Even though these groups were weak and easily overcome…God specifically told them not to even bother them. He allowed them to buy supplies from them with money…and simply pass through these areas. He made sure they knew that God had made them promises too… he had given them land and promised to care for them as well. 

What a great reminder that just because God loves us and promises to care for us does not mean that everything in the world is ours. He makes specific promises to care for us…we must listen to what he gives to us…and what is meant for others he is caring for as well.

It is also a reminder that we are never to take advantage of others that might be weaker than us. How we treat others shows what character God is building in us. How we treat others shows God if we are learning the lessons he is teaching us about loving others more than ourselves.

Father thank you for the reminder that I am called to treat others with more respect and love than I even give myself.  Forgive me for the times that I forget that showing your love is more important than receiving things from you.  Help me to live out the two most important commandments from Matthew 22:37-39 …and ….“Love the Lord MY God with all MY heart and with all MY soul and with all MY mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love MY neighbor as MY self.” Amen.