In what ways can we "lend to many nations" in our community? The Promise Revisited “ For the LORD your God will bless you as He has promised, and you will lend to many nations but borrow from none …” (Deuteronomy 15:6; cf. 28:12). Israel’s national calling modeled God-given abundance overflowing outward rather than inward. That same pattern still guides believers today: enjoy God’s blessing, then channel it to others. Timeless Principles Behind the Command • Blessing flows from obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). • Financial strength is stewardship, not self-indulgence (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Righteous lending reflects God’s own generosity (Psalm 37:21; Luke 6:35). • Giving/lending multiplies resources through God’s economy (2 Corinthians 9:8-11). What “Lend to Many Nations” Looks Like in Our Community Broadly, “nations” means peoples, cultures, and neighbors of every background. Lending reaches them through tangible, interest-free or low-interest help accompanied by gospel love. 1. Personal Micro-Lending • Set aside a rotating fund to offer small, no-interest loans for rent gaps, car repairs, or immigration fees. • Use trusted platforms that serve global entrepreneurs; gather friends to underwrite loans together. 2. Church-Based Benevolence Funds • Designate part of the budget for repayable assistance; repayments replenish the fund, extending reach. • Attach biblical financial coaching (Proverbs 21:5) to every loan. 3. Credit-Union Partnerships • Join or launch a faith-friendly credit union emphasizing fair rates, debt-avoidance education, and refugee access. 4. Business Mentorship & Seed Capital • Pair seasoned business owners with start-ups run by immigrants or young adults; provide interest-free startup loans. • Offer shared workspaces to reduce overhead and foster discipleship in the marketplace. 5. Employment Creation • Hire from diverse backgrounds, pay living wages, and train employees for advancement (James 5:4). • Support members who open job-creating ventures with low-cost capital. 6. Ethical Investing Pools • Form small groups that invest retirement or surplus funds in socially responsible bonds or loans benefiting underserved communities. • Reinvest returns into missionary sending or local outreach. 7. Skill-Swap and Tool Libraries • Rather than money, lend equipment—lawn mowers, power tools, laptops—to neighbors beginning side businesses. • Maintain a simple tracking system; train borrowers on proper use. 8. Education & ESL Sponsorship • Cover textbook fees or certification costs for internationals; expect repayment in service hours tutoring the next cohort. • Provide loaned laptops or Wi-Fi hotspots for students. Guardrails to Keep the Heart Right • Avoid predatory interest; God condemns it among His people (Exodus 22:25). • Prioritize relationship over repayment; mercy triumphs (Matthew 6:12). • Maintain transparency and accountability; let another handle records (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). • Remember the goal: “so that in all things God may be glorified” (1 Peter 4:11). Living the Promise Today Lending to “many nations” is not reserved for governments; it is local, personal, and gospel-saturated. As we steward resources with open hands, God’s abundance flows through us, meeting needs, building bridges across cultures, and showcasing the generosity of Christ who “though He was rich, yet for your sake became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). |
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