Debt
by Joan Rono
In the past years and even now, more banks and credit companies have been encouraging people to take loans and yet more loans. It feels like a quick fix to our immediate financial needs, but it soon becomes bondage. Most people are in distress and fear because of unpaid debts. Now the banks are looking for ways of getting loans paid back to them, and most people are pushed to the corner.
Recently the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, said there may be a need to cut people’s pay in order to pay the government debt and he explained the trouble that might be ahead if the debts continue to increase. He said the country must prepare itself for painful and unavoidable cuts which will affect ‘our whole way of life’. Many people have different views but the bottom line is how to pay Britain’s debts.
In Matthew 18:26-30 Jesus told a story of a man in debt and what happened to him for refusing to pay the debts. In 2 Kings 4:1-7 we read of the widow whose sons were to be sold into slavery because of debt. She only had a little oil that God used to increase her income for paying the debts she had. There are also many more stories and parables in the Bible about debts.
Unpaid debts bring fear, shame and in some cases punishment. We should look and consider how debts have affected our own individual lives and whole nations, causing fear for the future.
The above passage says ‘Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another’. Love is the only debt that we’re allowed to have. Any other debt is a hindrance to the development, of ourselves, our families, and also of all our relationships. So consider the debts you have and start thinking of ways of getting out of debt and experience the freedom that comes with being debt-free.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your death on the cross has paid all the debt of my sin. I also know that You’re able to get me through any situation I’m facing now, especially with debts and other financial needs. Help me to put my trust in You for provision and freedom from debt, for only You can give me the freedom I need. Let me have only the debt of love outstanding in my life and relationships. Thank You for everything. Amen.
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