What practical steps can we take to "owe no one anything" today? Anchoring Our Hearts in the Command “Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law.” (Romans 13:8) Paul’s words are plain. Outside the unending obligation to love, we are to let no other debt linger. Because Scripture is both accurate and literal, the principle applies to every arena of life—financial, relational, and moral. Embracing Contentment First • “Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6) • A grateful heart curbs the appetite that fuels debt. • Practice thanking God for present provisions before considering new purchases. Living Within God-Given Means • Craft a simple, written budget—income at the top, planned giving next, essential needs below that. • Track every dollar for at least three months; patterns become clear and correctable. • Choose a lifestyle that fits beneath, not right up against, your current income. Honoring Every Obligation Promptly • “Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due…” (Romans 13:7) • Schedule automatic payments for utilities, insurance, and any existing loans so nothing slips. • If a bill arrives, settle it the same week; if paydays are tight, call the creditor ahead of time and arrange a plan. Building Wise Spending Habits • Delay 24 hours before any non-essential purchase; impulse weakens with time. • Shop with a list and with cash (or a debit card tied to budgeted dollars). • Refuse marketing that feeds discontent—unsubscribe, unfollow, mute. Planning for the Future • “Which of you… does not first sit down and count the cost?” (Luke 14:28) • Set aside a starter emergency fund (USD1,000 or one paycheck). • After debts are cleared, grow that cushion to three-to-six months of expenses so crises never force new borrowing. Choosing Debt Only When Unavoidable • Scripture never calls borrowing a sin, but always warns of its bondage: “The borrower is slave to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7) • If a major loan (house, education, business) seems necessary, keep terms short and payments no more than a modest portion of net income. • Never enter debt for depreciating wants—vacations, trendy gadgets, or dining out. Steering Clear of Entangling Pledges • Proverbs 6:1-5 discourages cosigning; you risk becoming responsible for another’s debt. • Love friends enough to help in other ways—gifts, wise counsel, budget coaching—instead of a signature that could ensnare both parties. Restoring What Is Already Owed • “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and give.” (Psalm 37:21) • List every outstanding debt, smallest to largest. • Pay minimums on all, but attack the smallest balance with every extra dollar until it disappears—then roll that payment to the next. Momentum encourages perseverance. • If you have wronged someone financially or materially, imitate Zacchaeus and make restitution (Luke 19:8). Cultivating Generosity Along the Way • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 reminds that cheerful giving invites God’s overflowing provision. • Even while repaying debts, set aside a planned portion for the local church and benevolence; it trains the heart to trust God, not credit. Walking in Love Every Day • Financial freedom isn’t the end goal; loving others unhindered is. • With bills paid, savings built, and open hands extended, you can respond instantly to a neighbor’s need, a missionary’s call, or a friend’s crisis. • The only lasting debt left on the ledger is love—and that one, by God’s design, we gladly carry forever. |
    |