Exodus 23:4
““If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again.”
What does Exodus 23:4 mean?
When you encounter something belonging to someone who has hurt you, your first instinct might be to look the other way or even rejoice in their loss. But this ancient law pushes back against that natural impulse by requiring you to return a lost animal to your enemy, just as you would to a friend. The command reveals something countercultural about God's vision: enemies remain human beings worthy of care, and their property deserves respect even when relationships are broken. In practical terms, this meant that personal conflict couldn't justify neglect or harm, which helped maintain basic decency and trust within a community where people couldn't simply avoid one another. For us today, it's an invitation to consider how we treat those we disagree with or dislike, and whether we can extend kindness and honesty even when it costs us something.