The Small Catechism – part 98
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 6:6–8
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The Ninth Commandment
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not plot to take our neighbors’ possessions, inheritance, or home, or obtain them through deceptive means, but assist and serve our neighbors in keeping what is theirs.
Pulling It Together: The fear and love of God ought to constrain us from taking the property of others. The trust of God should make us content with what we have. This does not keep us from working hard, trying to make life better for ourselves and for those whom we love. It should, however, restrain us from plotting to take what does not belong to us. Indeed, the fear, love, and trust of God should compel us to work for our neighbors’ good, to help them not only keep what they already have, but even assist them, working to increase their share in life.
Prayer: Lord, show me how to be a good neighbor. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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