Are We in Debt?

Romans Chapter 13 

Scripture: 

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Rom. 13:8-10) 

Observation: 

I've heard verse 8 used for many people as a mandate for Christians to not borrow money, under any circumstances.  The late George Mueller held fast to this teaching and no one can doubt the effectiveness of his ministry.  (His story is too long for me to go into here, but please take the time to read up on this powerful man of prayer!).  But I ask you, is this a case of interpretation for some for personal conviction, or is it one for all of us?  Just what is this verse actually saying? 

Well, before I start a debate about it, lets look at verse 7 for the clue for the context.  It says: "Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."   It uses the word "owe" not as a financial choice to borrow or not to borrow (that is a given) rather, within the context it's not talking about collecting debt, but focusing instead on paying it, on time.  In fact, verse 8 goes on to tell us not to leave any debt outstanding except to love one another. 

Loving one another, should be viewed as a debt owed, as one that can never be fully paid off.  Radical thinking?  Yes!  But that's kinda the way God rolls.  Jesus tells us to go the extra mile, turn the cheek, to forgive seventy times seven, and to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's; using the every day functions of life to illustrate the kingdom of God to the unbelievers around us.   

Application: 

The lesson that I find for myself in these set of verses is echoed a few chapters earlier in Romans 12:17 “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”  Even though love keeps no record of wrongs, the rest of the world really does.  And THAT is the reason we are commanded to owe no one anything but the continuing debt of love.  This radical way of living marks us as being different.  That willingness to love (and forgive) opens doors with people that might have otherwise stayed shut.   

Prayer: 

Lord, it is easy to make these connections here on paper, but so much harder to remember them in the heat of the moment when my temper is flaring and I am feeling taken advantage of.  Remind me ever that I was bought at a price, that I have laid down my rights and my service to you is through the people you've placed around me.  Amen.