How does Leviticus 25:37 guide us in treating others financially? Setting the Scene Leviticus 25 unfolds God’s instructions for the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee. These rhythms protected families from generational poverty, reminded Israel that the land belongs to the LORD, and fostered a culture of compassion. In that setting, verse 37 rings out: “You must not lend him your silver at interest or sell him your food for profit.” (Leviticus 25:37) What the Verse Says, Plainly and Literally • “No interest”—If an Israelite brother became poor, fellow Israelites were forbidden to charge him any extra for a loan. • “No profit on essentials”—Even basic necessities like food were not to be marked up for the needy. • God’s own logic: “So that they may live among you” (v. 35). The goal was life-giving relief, not enrichment of the lender. Key Principles We Draw 1. Compassion outranks profit. 2. People are never commodities. 3. Financial help must aim at restoration, not exploitation. 4. God closely watches economic dealings (cf. Proverbs 22:22-23). Echoes Across Scripture • Deuteronomy 23:19-20—Interest between Israelites forbidden; permitted only toward foreigners. • Psalm 15:5—A righteous person “does not lend out his money at interest or take a bribe against the innocent.” • Proverbs 19:17—“Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD.” • Luke 6:34-35—Jesus calls His followers to lend “without expecting anything in return,” promising great reward from the Father. Why God Cares So Deeply • He is Redeemer; His people must reflect His rescuing heart (Leviticus 25:38). • He guards community harmony; crushing the vulnerable fractures covenant life. • He owns the land and resources; we are stewards, not ultimate proprietors (Psalm 24:1). Practical Ways to Live This Out Today • Offer zero-interest, short-term loans to friends or church members in crisis. • Supply groceries or gift cards rather than “selling food” when someone is short on cash. • Refuse predatory practices—payday lending, excessive late fees, exploitative rent-to-own schemes. • Adjust investments to avoid companies built on usury or oppression. • Give generously, viewing gifts and loans alike as service to Christ (Matthew 25:40). The New-Covenant Lens Jesus fulfills the Jubilee vision (Luke 4:18-19). While commercial lending can be legitimate, relationships within the body of Christ call for a higher ethic—grace over gain, restoration over return. Obedience here displays the gospel, showing a world enslaved to profit the freedom of sons and daughters who trust their Father to provide. Fruit That Follows • Needs met, dignity preserved. • Witness enhanced—outsiders see tangible love. • Communities strengthened against systemic poverty. • Confidence in God’s provision deepened, freeing us from the tyranny of mammon. Leviticus 25:37, then, stands as a timeless checkpoint: in every transaction, ask whether mercy outweighs margin and whether our handling of money reflects the heart of the One who gladly paid our debt in full. |
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