Which New Testament teachings align with Exodus 22:25 on lending and generosity? The heart of Exodus 22:25 “If you lend money to one of My people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interest.” (Exodus 22:25) God’s command protects the vulnerable and promotes family–like compassion within His covenant people. The New Testament echoes and deepens that same heartbeat. Jesus’ call to open-handed lending • Luke 6:34-35: “And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? … But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return; then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High…” • Matthew 5:42: “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” Jesus moves beyond “no interest” to “no strings,” urging loans that mirror God’s grace—freely given, not profit-driven. Early church snapshots of generosity • Acts 4:34-35: needs were met because believers liquidated assets and “laid them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.” • Acts 11:29-30: disciples in Antioch “each, according to his ability, decided to send relief” to famine-stricken Judea. The Spirit produced voluntary, sacrificial sharing—practical fulfillment of Exodus 22:25’s concern for the needy. Apostolic instruction on giving and debt • Romans 13:8: “Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love…”—love remains the only acceptable “interest” believers owe. • 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: cheerful, intentional generosity reaps eternal reward. • 1 Timothy 6:18-19: the wealthy must “be generous and willing to share,” storing up heavenly treasure. • Hebrews 13:16: “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” • James 2:15-16: words without material help are empty; real faith meets tangible needs. Guardrails against greed • Luke 12:15: “Watch out! Be on guard against all kinds of greed.” • 1 Timothy 6:10: the love of money roots “all kinds of evil,” undermining the selfless lending Exodus envisions. Practical cues for today • View every borrower first as a brother or sister, not a revenue stream. • Offer help that prioritizes the other person’s relief, not personal gain. • Cultivate a lifestyle that keeps margin—time, money, possessions—available for Spirit-prompted generosity. • Remember heaven’s ledger: God sees and rewards secret, interest-free kindness. The New Testament consistently lifts Exodus 22:25 from legal statute to gospel-saturated lifestyle: love drives lending, grace rules giving, and God’s children reflect His mercy by erasing interest and embracing generosity. |
    |