Question of the Week #5

Would it be considered a sin if, for example, you stole from someone and gave it to a poor person (especially if he/she needed it more)?

I think that the person who asked this question knows that stealing is wrong. It's sort of hard to grow up in America and not know that stealing is wrong. For example, ever since I was little I was told that it was wrong to take something that didn't belong to me. God himself said clearly in Exodus 20 that stealing is a sin. In fact, it is the 8th commandment. But isn't it interesting how we still question what God has clearly laid out for us?

I think what this person really wants to know is if there are any conditions in which it would not be a sin to steal. I can understand that sort of confusion coming up, considering we seem to make heroes out of such thieves as Robin Hood. We read that he steals from the rich and gives to the poor, and we cheer him on while we read it. I think that most people would applaud someone such as Robin Hood today, because his heart is in the right place. His intentions seem honorable. It's not like he's stealing for himself. And yet, however honorable his intentions might be, are the means in which he carries them out right? What if you were that rich person that Robin had taken something from? Would you be cheering Robin Hood on then?

There are also those who might steal in order to survive, such as another folk hero we all may know, Aladdin. Is it right to steal bread in order to avoid starvation? In that case, are they trusting in themselves or God to survive? Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:25-34? How might that apply? I have heard some amazing stories of God's provision for His children in tight circumstances when they rely on Him and trust in Him to provide. Also, look at Ephesians 4:17-32 (especially verse 28). What does this tell us about stealing and what we should look to do instead?

Ultimately, we need to search through God's Word and see if He has laid out any conditions for us in which it is OK for us to steal. If He has, then we need to find those conditions and discuss them. If He hasn't, then it would seem pretty clear to me that stealing is wrong all the time, no matter what. I would highly encourage you to search through God's Word and see if you can or can't find anything that might explicitly say or allude to stealing being Ok. Maybe you will come across something that I missed.

I'm sure there is much more that could be said, but I will leave that up to you.

May your time spent in the Word of God be fruitful, and may He give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you read, so that you might Him better!

Grace and Peace!