Do not take advantage of the widows or the fatherless. Exodus 22:22 NIV Bible
Although I haven't taken advantage of widows or the fatherless, there have been times when I have milked my relationship with others for various reasons. Sometimes it's just to get on their good side. Sometimes, it's because I wanted something from them, their knowledge or a favor from them. The thing is, I feel terrible about ever having done this!
The Lord Jesus teaches us that even though we have sinned, we don't have to continue doing those things. So, although I don't always realize when I'm doing this, that I should immediately turn this over to the Lord God's gracious hands to heal me of my ulterior motives!
I don't like it when others take advantage of me, why should I think it's O.K. for me to do so to others? What really hurts my heart, is that I sometimes try to take advantage of Christ. I use my faith in Him, to ask special favors that benefit me. In Jeremiah 49:11, it says: "Leave your fatherless children, I will keep them alive. Your widows can [also] depend on Me." The thing is, there is a big difference related to depending on the Lord and trying to take advantage of the Lord. I don't want to cross those lines, but I'm fearful that I have in the past. Oh, Lord, I am prayerful that You heal me of milking relationships with others, but especially with You!!!
