What does "charge him interest" teach about compassion in financial dealings? Setting of the Command Exodus 22 gathers guidelines the Lord laid down for everyday life after Israel’s rescue from Egypt. The people are learning to reflect God’s character in civil matters, family life, and—right here—money lending. What the Verse Says “If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you are not to act like a moneylender; you must not charge him interest.” (Exodus 22:25) Immediate Implications • “One of My people … who is poor” pinpoints the needy brother or sister rather than a commercial partner. • “You are not to act like a moneylender” rejects predatory attitudes that see hardship as an opportunity for gain. • “You must not charge him interest” calls for a loan that relieves pressure instead of adding to it. Compassion at the Core • Recognizes human dignity: God links the poor person to Himself—“My people”—so treating him harshly offends the Lord. • Protects the vulnerable: interest magnifies debt; the command shields the borrower from deeper poverty. • Mirrors divine generosity: the Lord rescues without demanding payment (Psalm 103:10); His people imitate that mercy. • Cultivates community health: burden-free lending knits hearts together rather than turning neighbors into adversaries. Reinforcement Throughout Scripture • Leviticus 25:35-37—“you shall not charge him interest or profit.” • Deuteronomy 23:19—no interest on loans to fellow Israelites. • Psalm 15:5—the righteous “does not lend his money at interest.” • Nehemiah 5:10-12—leaders cancel interest to restore oppressed families. • Ezekiel 18:8—the righteous “does not lend at interest or take any increase.” • Luke 6:34-35—Jesus urges lending “expecting nothing in return,” extending the same compassionate impulse to all. Contrast with Pagan Economics Ancient Near Eastern lenders often demanded 20–50 percent. God’s law made Israel stand out as a society where the needy could breathe instead of suffocate under debt. Principles for Today • People over profit: evaluate every financial decision by how it affects lives, not just bottom lines. • Relief before return: when someone is in distress, aim first to lighten the load, not secure gain. • Creative generosity: offer interest-free loans, gifts, or grants when able; explore benevolent funds within the church. • Transparent terms: if interest is warranted in a business setting, keep it modest, clear, and fair (Proverbs 16:11). • Heart check: refuse even hidden forms of exploitation—late fees, balloon payments, coercive contracts. • Gospel witness: compassionate lending shouts that Christ canceled the debt we could never pay (Colossians 2:14). The Bigger Picture God is not against sound business; He is against profiting from a brother’s pain. “Charge him interest” in Exodus 22:25 exposes a heart posture: exploit or uplift. Followers of Christ choose uplift, proving that mercy rules their pocketbooks just as surely as it rules their hearts. |
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