MESSAGE

 TOPIC : DON’T TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OTHER

Opening Prayer: My dear heavenly Father, as I study your word, let it be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Scripture: Genesis 29:14b‐35

Question(s) for Reflection
• What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?

Jacob worked faithfully for Laban, his uncle, for a month without being paid formal salary. “Tell me how much your wages should be” (vs.15) was an attempt to formalize Jacob’s service. The free food and shelter were not enough to replace this for his labour as some do to relatives in their homes.

Taking advantage of our relatives in our homes in this way simply because they will be helpless without us is not acceptable (Matthew 7:12). “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man?” (v.19) was Laban’s promise to Jacob who kept the terms of the agreement to show his love for Rachel (v.20). Genuine love waits and keeps to terms. Laban surprised Jacob in vs.22‐24 as Jacob did Esau.

We reap what we sow. Justifying wrong as Laban did when it benefits us and complaining as Jacob did when it does not benefit us is unchristian (Galatians 5:14). Accepting our wrongdoing and asking God for forgiveness is better than glossing over it. Hiding under the guise of tradition does not make a wrong practice right.

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Closing Prayer
• Read Galatians 5:17 and use it to pray for yourself.