As the Israelites were coming out of slavery in Egypt and into the wilderness, they needed to be united in community more than ever before. In addition to providing manna and quail, the Lord gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments as a roadmap of wisdom that would be life-giving for the individual and the whole.
Stealing weakens a neighbor’s well-being, which is why Exodus states that repayment must be in excess of what was taken. The Lord calls for restoration of the neighbor’s ability to live and provide for themselves – something that is good for the individual and the community as a whole.
Stealing breaks trust and fractures relationships. But cultivating trust allows us to build genuine, thriving relationships that will honor the Lord and strengthen us, His people. Christian community and healthy relationships with other believers are foundational to belonging to Christ and His church, growing in our depth of knowledge and love for Him, and reaching others for His kingdom.