God writing a character reference for you (Exodus 23)

Character Reference

I am pleased to provide a character reference for [Name], whose life and conduct consistently reflect the qualities of integrity, mercy, and faithfulness described in Exodus 23.

[Name] is unwaveringly truthful. They refuse to participate in gossip, false reports, or anything that compromises justice. In every situation—professional or personal—they stand apart from the crowd by doing what is right, not what is convenient. They treat both the powerful and the vulnerable with fairness, showing no favoritism and no prejudice.

Their compassion is evident even toward those who oppose them. When others would walk away, [Name] steps in to help, responding with steady kindness and moral courage. They look out for the poor, the overlooked, and those who have no advocate. They are never swayed by bribery, pressure, or popularity. Their decisions come from conviction, not influence.

[Name] practices a healthy rhythm of work and rest. They value the restoration of people, animals, and creation. Their life demonstrates a respect for limits, a trust in God’s provision, and a commitment to helping others find refreshment.

Their worship is sincere. They give God their best and honor Him with their resources, time, and reverence. They avoid anything that would compromise their devotion or pull their loyalty toward lesser gods like success, wealth, or approval.

Finally, [Name] lives with a deep awareness of God’s guidance and protection. They listen well, follow faithfully, and demonstrate courageous obedience even when the road ahead is difficult. They trust God’s timing—advancing steadily, patiently, and wisely, not expecting instant results but confident in God’s long-term plan.

In every way, [Name] exhibits a character shaped by justice, mercy, humility, and faithfulness. I recommend them without hesitation. Their presence strengthens teams, their example uplifts communities, and their integrity honors God.

 Laws of Justice and Mercy

Truth and integrity

• “Speak truth to one another.” Zechariah 8:16
• “Do not lie to each other.” Colossians 3:9
• “A false witness will not go unpunished.” Proverbs 19:5

Rejecting mob injustice and favoritism

• “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality.” Leviticus 19:15
• “Do not follow the crowd in wrongdoing.” Proverbs 1:10–16
• “God shows no partiality.” Romans 2:11

Helping an enemy

• “If your enemy is hungry, feed him.” Romans 12:20
• “Love your enemies.” Matthew 5:44
• “Do not repay evil for evil.” 1 Peter 3:9

Protecting the poor

• “Do not exploit the poor in court.” Proverbs 22:22–23
• “Defend the oppressed.” Isaiah 1:17
• “The Lord secures justice for the poor.” Psalm 140:12

Rejecting bribes

• “Bribes blind the wise.” Deuteronomy 16:19
• “Who refuses a bribe…will dwell on high.” Isaiah 33:15–16
• “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” 1 Timothy 6:10

Caring for foreigners

• “Love the foreigner.” Deuteronomy 10:18–19
• “Do not oppress the foreigner.” Jeremiah 7:6
• “You were once foreigners.” Leviticus 19:34

Sabbath Laws
Sabbath rest

• “The Sabbath was made for man.” Mark 2:27
• “Remember the Sabbath…keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8–11
• “In quietness and trust is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15

Land rest

• “The land must observe a Sabbath to the Lord.” Leviticus 25:4
• “The land enjoyed its Sabbaths.” 2 Chronicles 36:21

The Three Annual Festivals
Unleavened Bread

• “Get rid of the old yeast.” 1 Corinthians 5:7–8
• “They baked bread without yeast.” Exodus 12:34

Harvest / Firstfruits

• “Honor the Lord with your firstfruits.” Proverbs 3:9
• “Each in turn: Christ the firstfruits.” 1 Corinthians 15:23

Ingathering

• “Celebrate the festival at the turn of the year.” Exodus 34:22
• “Gather the people and celebrate before the Lord.” Deuteronomy 16:13–15

Purity in Worship

• “Do not offer leaven with the blood of my sacrifice.” Exodus 34:25
• “Bring an offering without defect.” Leviticus 22:20
• “Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.” Psalm 96:9

God’s Angel to Prepare the Way
God’s messenger

• “My presence will go with you.” Exodus 33:14
• “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him.” Psalm 34:7
• “He will command his angels concerning you.” Psalm 91:11

Obedience brings protection

• “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land.” Isaiah 1:19
• “God is an enemy to your enemies.” Deuteronomy 28:7
• “Submit…resist the devil, and he will flee.” James 4:7

Rejecting false gods

• “You shall have no other gods.” Exodus 20:3
• “Flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:14
• “What partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14–17

Little-by-Little Strategy

• “Little by little I will drive them out.” Exodus 23:30 (repeated in 34:24)
• “The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.” Deuteronomy 7:22
• “The Lord will fight for you.” Exodus 14:14

Promised Land and Borders

• “Every place where you set your foot will be yours.” Deuteronomy 11:24
• “I will give this land to your descendants.” Genesis 15:18–21
• “The Lord gave them rest on every side.” Joshua 21:43–45