Q.	I take stuff that doesn’t belong to me. I try hard not to, but I can’t stop. Can you help me? Lewis, 11 Washington
A.	Everyone knows stealing is wrong—you know it, too. One of God’s Ten Commandments clearly states, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15). But stopping yourself from stealing can be super hard, so try these things: Memorize Exodus 20:15 and Proverbs 10:2. They’re both short verses, so it won’t take long. Next time you’re tempted to steal, repeat those verses in your head to remind yourself what God thinks about stealing. Also, ask Him to help you resist this temptation. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. How would you feel if somebody stole something from you? Sad? Violated? Mad? That’s how your actions make other people feel. Work to make things right. Ephesians 4:28 says, "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need." Ask your parents if you can do some extra chores around the house to earn money. When you have enough, go to the people you’ve stolen from and pay them back. It won’t be easy at first. But once you’ve admitted to people you have a problem and paid them back, you’ll feel better about yourself . . . and you won’t be as likely to steal again.
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