Stealing and Gossip
The 7th (“You shall not steal”) and 8th Commandments (“You shall not bear false witness”) are related in that both have to do with being honest and telling the truth. We are dishonest when we steal, lie, cheat, or take something that is not rightfully ours. We are also dishonest when we gossip or speak ill of others behind their back, or the corollary, when we fail to defend someone being wrongfully defrauded, that is, when we know the truth and we fail to speak up or defend them.
This week we’ll hear what Jesus has to say on the subject and how, once again, these commands concern not only what is “forbidden” (“You shall not …”), but even moreso, what positive responsibilities He requires toward our neighbor that goes beyond what the law requires.
