Messianic Jewish Counseling Devotional for Couples on Parashat Mishpatim (Leap Year) & Parashat Shekalim

Strengthened by Covenant Responsibility

Torah Portions: Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1–24:18) | Shekalim (Exodus 30:11–16)

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Introduction

Parashat Mishpatim follows the giving of the Ten Words at Sinai and moves immediately into detailed laws governing justice, personal responsibility, restitution, and community ethics. In a leap year, when we align with Parashat Shekalim, we are also reminded of the half-shekel offering required of every Israelite for the upkeep of the Tabernacle. Together, these portions emphasize accountability and shared investment in covenant life. For Messianic Jewish couples, these readings highlight that love is not sustained by emotion alone, but by justice, fairness, and shared contribution. Through Yeshua, who fulfills the Torah and embodies perfect righteousness, couples are called to reflect G-d’s justice and generosity within their marriage.

Core Theme for Couples

Shared Accountability and Equal Investment:
Healthy covenant relationships require mutual responsibility, fair treatment, and intentional contribution from both partners.

Devotional Reflection

Mishpatim teaches that actions have consequences. Damages require restitution. Negligence requires correction. Justice protects the vulnerable and preserves trust within the community. In marriage, these principles translate into emotional accountability. Words spoken carelessly, unmet commitments, or avoidance of responsibility can erode trust if not addressed with humility and repair. Parashat Shekalim adds another dimension: every individual was required to give the same half-shekel, rich and poor alike. This offering was not about wealth, but about shared belonging and equal participation. In marriage, both partners must invest spiritually, emotionally, and practically. When one consistently over-functions while the other under-functions, the imbalance grows. Yeshua teaches reconciliation, urging us to make things right quickly when division arises. Covenant love matures when couples take responsibility for their impact and willingly contribute to the health of their shared spiritual home.

Counseling Insight

Resentment often develops when perceived inequity persists. Couples benefit from regularly evaluating whether emotional labor, financial stewardship, spiritual leadership, and household responsibilities are fairly distributed. Justice within marriage does not mean identical roles, but it does require equal commitment.

Repair is central to covenant. When harm occurs, acknowledgment and restitution restore trust. Avoiding difficult conversations undermines intimacy; addressing them strengthens it.

Exercises for Couples

1. Read Exodus 21:1–6 and 30:11–16 together.

2. Discuss Equity.

   Where do we each feel fully invested? Where might imbalance exist?

3. Half-Shekel Commitment.

   Each partner names one tangible way they will invest intentionally in the marriage this week.

4. Restitution Practice.

   If there is an unresolved hurt, take one step toward repair today.

Closing Prayer

G-d of Justice and Mercy,
Teach us to walk in fairness, humility, and shared responsibility. Reveal where the imbalance has grown and give us the courage to restore equity. Help us to invest wholeheartedly in our covenant, reflecting Your righteousness in our home. Through Yeshua, who reconciles and redeems, strengthen our union. Amen.

Shabbat Shalom.

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Series Note: This devotional is part of “Walking Together in Covenant,” a Messianic Jewish Counseling Devotionals for Couples series from Machaseh Shel Tikvah (Shelter of Hope) for Counseling, a member of the Village of Hope & Justice Ministry Family.