How can we practically "pay everyone what you owe him" in daily life? The Call to Settle Every Account Romans 13:7 urges, “Pay everyone what you owe him…” “taxes to whom taxes are due,” “revenue to whom revenue is due,” “respect to whom respect is due,” “honor to whom honor is due.” That single sentence divides our everyday obligations into four clear lanes. Each lane has practical traffic rules we can follow. What We Owe: Four Clear Categories • Taxes – what civil government requires • Revenue – ordinary financial debts and business obligations • Respect – courtesy that recognizes a person’s God-given position • Honor – deeper esteem that celebrates character and contribution Money Matters: Taxes and Revenue • File and pay taxes on time. Matthew 22:21: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” • Budget for recurring bills the moment income arrives. Proverbs 3:27: “Do not withhold good from the deserving, when it is in your power to act.” • Pay employees, contractors, and service providers promptly. Luke 10:7: “The worker is worthy of his wages.” • If debt exists, contact creditors, set a realistic payment plan, and stick to it. • Practice generosity once obligations are met; it keeps the heart from hardening around money. Showing Respect in Word and Deed • Speak courteously to public officials, teachers, supervisors, and elders—even in disagreement. • Obey reasonable workplace policies without grumbling (Colossians 3:22-23). • Stand when a judge enters, yield a seat to seniors, silence the phone in church—small gestures preach loud. • Online interactions count; type nothing you would not say face-to-face. Honoring People God Honors • Parents: Ephesians 6:2 reminds, “Honor your father and mother.” Call, visit, listen. • Spiritual leaders: 1 Timothy 5:17 speaks of “double honor” for faithful elders. Encourage them. • The marriage covenant: Hebrews 13:4 says marriage “is to be honored by all.” Guard it—yours and others’. • Those who serve sacrificially—military, first responders, caregivers—publicly thank them. Putting It Into Practice Today 1. List every unpaid bill, tax, or loan; create a payoff timeline. 2. Schedule automatic payments where possible to avoid forgetfulness. 3. Before each conversation, silently decide to treat the other person with respect. 4. Write one note of honor each week—to a parent, mentor, pastor, or friend. 5. Review social-media posts; delete anything disrespectful, sarcastic, or dishonoring. 6. Teach children these habits early: chores for allowance, polite greetings, thank-you notes. Heart Checks and Ongoing Growth • Pray over finances and relationships, asking the Lord to expose any unpaid debt or withheld honor. • Keep short accounts; settle matters quickly (Matthew 5:25). • Remember 1 Peter 2:17: “Honor everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.” Paying what we owe is bigger than money—it is a daily act of worship, reflecting the God who never leaves a debt of love unpaid. |
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