If You Borrow, Pay What You Owe
The bible is clear that we should not borrow, but if we do, we should repay it. In fact it says, The wicked borrow and does not repay (Psalm 37:21a). At the same time, Our Heavenly Father made provisions for those in need. He says repeatedly in scripture, the poor will always be among us. He knew that borrowing would be something that, though not ideal, would be a reality of our condition. So, the bible isn’t calling those who are poor and needy, wicked- especially when they have done all they can to repay and simply can’t.
Borrowing in Bible Days
Did you know that in the bible days, people put their home, land, possessions and even their lives on the line? People would sell themselves or their families into servanthood as collateral on a debt that was owed. They borrowed out of necessity, for food, clothing, and shelter. So, God commanded the 7-year release which settled whatever debts were outstanding and demanded creditors let their brothers and sisters go free. He showed great compassion, towards the poor in doing so.
Borrowing a Couple of Generations Ago
Fast forward several generations. Our grandparents borrowed to purchase land and a home so they and their families would have a place to live. Our nation doesn’t allow us to just find a plot of land and build a home and live in it. And real estate is costly. So, it was of necessity, and our grandparents took on that debt and treated it seriously. They made every provision to pay what they owed.
Borrowing Nowadays
Today, we rarely borrow out of necessity, though sometimes we create the appearance of necessity. By the time we finish mismanaging the money God gave us, we can’t pay the rent or utilities; we can’t buy gas to get to work; or we can’t buy groceries to tie us over until next pay day. Many of us don’t operate on a budget; we get paid, pay bills, and buy what they think they can afford with the rest- never taking stock of what’s really happening. We borrow a lot and with very little reason. Whether
borrowing for vacation, cars, clothes, shoes, entertainment, conveniences, food, snacks, gifts, or whatever, we rack up enormous debt by way of credit cards are personal loans.
Now we owe creditors, our parents, our Pastor, and sometimes other family members and friends. We create unnecessary stress because we know when we don’t make the car payment, we are in jeopardy of repossession. When we can’t make the utility payment, our gas and electric could get shut off. We can’t go to church the same when we owe the Pastor and never paid him back. We can’t gather with family the same when we know there’s an unsettled debt.
What if Your Truly Can’t Repay
If you are in a situation where you cannot pay, say so in advance. No creditor will spot you money in that circumstance, but family, friends, churches, and charities may gift it to you. There’s nothing wrong with that, especially if it’s a true need.
If you realize you can’t pay, after you’ve already borrowed the money, you can ask for forgiveness. Your creditor is under no obligation to grant it to you, but they can chose to absolve all or so portion of the debt, if they’d like. There’s nothing wrong with that, but they do have every right to expect repayment.
Conclusion
See what borrowing really is (bondage) and see the damage it causes (materialism). Don’t tell yourself, you’re a victim of circumstance and with a little extra time and/or a little more money that’ll solve your debt problem. They won’t, because it’s deeper than that? There must be a shift in your relationship with money and things.
If you keep telling yourself you’re good, or it’s for a good reason, or it’s not that much; you’ll be right back in bondage (Proverbs 22:7). Jesus said owe no man anything but to love one another (Romans 13:8). If you do decide to borrow anyway, make every effort to pay what you owe and be prepared to accept the consequences if you cannot. Reneging on your promises to pay, is wickedness(Proverbs 37:21a).
This article is talking to the Borrower. Next time, by the grace of God, we’ll talk to the Lender.
