“You shall not steal.” – Exodus 20:15
Bible Verses About Stealing For Kids
The Command Against Stealing
As we look into the Bible and explore the command against stealing, we start at the core of God’s laws. One of the Ten Commandments reminds us that stealing is not just wrong; it goes against the very nature of love and trust that God desires in our lives. When we take something that doesn’t belong to us, we break the trust not only with the person from whom we took it but also with God. This command teaches us the values of honesty, integrity, and respect for others’ belongings. We need to learn to value what is not ours and understand that everything belongs to God. This foundational teaching guides our actions and helps build a just and fair community.
Exodus 20:15
“You shall not steal.” – Exodus 20:15
Leviticus 19:11
“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.” – Leviticus 19:11
Proverbs 21:6
“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.” – Proverbs 21:6
Micah 6:10
“Can I forget any longer the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is accursed?” – Micah 6:10
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10
Honoring Others’ Property
In our journey of faith, we learn the importance of honoring others’ property. God calls us to respect the things that belong to our neighbors. When we take something that isn’t ours, we hurt our relationships with others and break the bond of trust. We should strive to treat others’ possessions with the same care that we want to have for our own belongings. This sense of respect for what others own guides us not only from stealing but also brings peace and harmony in our interactions and community. Let’s develop a culture of appreciation and respect towards what belongs to others, and this will create a positive bond with our peers.
Proverbs 22:22
“Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate.” – Proverbs 22:22
Deuteronomy 19:14
“You shall not move your neighbor’s landmark, which the men of old have set, in your inheritance.” – Deuteronomy 19:14
Zechariah 5:3
“Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.” – Zechariah 5:3
Philippians 2:4
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
Ephesians 4:28
“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” – Ephesians 4:28
The Consequences of Stealing
As we explore the consequences of stealing, we realize that our actions have impacts not just on ourselves, but on those around us. Stealing can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and mistrust. When we take things that don’t belong to us, we create a cycle of negativity that affects our relationships and community dynamics. The Bible teaches us that there are serious repercussions for those who steal, not just in the eyes of society but before God. We have the opportunity to choose honesty and integrity over decisions that could lead us to pain and strife. Choosing to respect others’ property leads to closer relationships and a more peaceful life.
Proverbs 10:2
“Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.” – Proverbs 10:2
Luke 19:8
“And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” – Luke 19:8
Romans 13:9
“For the commandments, You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Romans 13:9
Job 31:16
“If I have withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail.” – Job 31:16
Deuteronomy 24:7
“If a man is found stealing one of his brothers of the people of Israel, and if he treats him as a slave or sells him, then that thief shall die.” – Deuteronomy 24:7
Finding Contentment in God
We should seek our fulfillment in our relationship with God. Often, when we steal, it stems from a place of wanting more or not being satisfied with what we have. However, God promises us that He will provide for our needs if we trust in Him. When we look to God for our fulfillment, we will find true contentment rather than the fleeting satisfaction that sin brings. Our faith is a beautiful reminder that we are enough and we can resist temptations knowing that God’s blessings are abundant. Let us nurture our faith and chase after the peace that God gives instead of longing for what is not ours.
Psalms 37:16
“Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked.” – Psalms 37:16
1 Timothy 6:6
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5
Psalms 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” – Psalms 23:1
Restorative Justice: Making Amends
When we make mistakes, such as stealing, there is always an opportunity for healing and restoration. The Bible offers guidance on how we can restore what has been taken and seek forgiveness. Understanding the importance of making amends helps us take responsibility for our actions. This may involve returning stolen goods or expressing sincere apologies to those we’ve wronged. While facing the consequences can be daunting, initiating a path toward restitution not only repairs our relationships but brings healing to our hearts and souls as well. Let us embrace the chance to restore what we’ve taken and show love and respect to others.
Exodus 22:1
“If a man steals an ox or a sheep and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep.” – Exodus 22:1
Numbers 5:6
“Speak to the people of Israel, When a man or woman commits any of the sins that people commit by breaking faith with the Lord, and that person realizes his guilt, he shall bring his compensation for his guilt to the Lord.” – Numbers 5:6
Luke 19:9
“And Jesus said to him, Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.” – Luke 19:9
Proverbs 6:30
“People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry.” – Proverbs 6:30
Matthew 5:23
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23
Grace and Forgiveness
In our lives, we will inevitably face times when we stumble and stray. God’s grace reminds us that we can always come back to Him, no matter what mistakes we’ve made, including stealing. His forgiveness is a beautiful gift that we must also share with others. When we accept God’s grace, we learn how to forgive ourselves and extend forgiveness to others who may have wronged us. Accepting this and embracing a spirit of forgiveness allows us to move forward positively and live in true freedom. It’s vital for us to recognize the mercy God offers every day, helping us become better individuals in His eyes and within our communities.
Ephesians 1:7
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” – Ephesians 1:7
Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” – Isaiah 1:18
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Psalms 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” – Psalms 103:12
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our discussion on the Biblical perspective regarding stealing, we realize that God’s laws are not just rules but wisdom rooted in love for us and our neighbors. The principles about honoring what belongs to others teach us about respect and integrity. Understanding the consequences of stealing helps us realize the importance of making amends and finding our satisfaction in God instead of earthly possessions. We have the gift of grace that reminds us that no matter the mistakes made, we can always seek forgiveness and restore relationships.
Let us remember that living in alignment with God’s perspective on stealing leads us to a fulfilling life. We can encourage one another to choose honesty and integrity each day, creating a loving community that reflects God’s teachings. Together, let’s build a life full of love, respect, and kindness.
As we continue our exploration of faith, feel free to browse through other insightful biblical topics such as Exodus 20:15 and Deuteronomy 22:13-21 to learn more about God’s wisdom and instructions.