Relative Sin

(Proverbs 22:22 KJV)  Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

Sin is absolute and yet it is relative.  Stealing is a sin.  It is important enough that the ban is posted in the Ten Commandments.

(Exodus 20:15 KJV)  Thou shalt not steal.

It seems pretty simple and straightforward and yet we have so many ways to disguise robbery and put a cloak of virtue on it.  We have Robin Hood taxes that take from the rich and give to the poor.  We justify it because the government has the right to tax and the rich have plenty and the poor are needy.  In the process we rob the church of its role of charity and give individuals an excuse to not be generous. 

At the same time there is a pecking order for sin.  If you don’t believe that then look at the different penalties that are allocated in the Old Testament.  You have everything from a grain offering to death.  I am not sure where robbing the “poor” (1800b) fits on the scale but it is clear that our motivation is a factor.

So?  We should not be taking advantage of people.  Just because the government gives them a check we cannot claim to be excused from our need to be generous and show the love of Jesus.