Most debts are discouraged in scripture with the exception of one debt!
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:12
When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He responded with what we now call “The Lord’s Prayer.” One of the key phrases in that prayer is the verse from Matthew 6:12: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” This reminds us that we owe a debt to God because of our sin and rebellion against Him. Jesus, however, took on our sins and became the sacrifice for their remission. This was a debt we could not repay, as the consequence of sin before a holy God is death. Jesus, being sinless, was the only one qualified to pay that debt on our behalf.
Because we are immensely blessed by God’s forgiveness and enjoy fellowship with Him, we are also called to forgive those who are in debt to us.
Debtor: One who owes another, or one who has not yet made amends for the harm they have caused.
A debtor, in this context, refers to someone who has sinned against us, hurt us, or wronged us in some way. Scripture clearly teaches that, even if this person never makes amends, we are still called to forgive them and release them from the debt they owe us.
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
This verse expands on the teaching in Matthew 6:12, emphasizing that, as believers, the only debt we should owe to others is love. We are not to owe hatred, revenge, or indifference. Instead, when we think of others, our mindset should be on how we can show them love. This becomes possible only when we have forgiven their offenses. Forgiveness shifts our hearts from expecting something from others to a position of freely giving. The only debt that pleases God is the debt of love for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Are there people we owe money or an apology to? It’s time to settle those matters or begin working toward doing so. Likewise, if there are people who owe us something, it’s time to forgive them and let go of the past. If they owe us money, while we may still desire repayment, we can release them spiritually. Whether they repay us or not, it doesn’t have to affect our relationship with them. This also expresses trust in God’s provision for our needs, regardless of whether that person repays us.
Finally, let’s be intentional in showing love to all people—not just those who benefit us, but also those who don’t or whom we don’t even know. According to the above scripture, we owe it to others to love them. Love is not optional but it is required of a believer to show the heart of God!
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