What other scriptures emphasize the importance of repaying debts and generosity? The Foundation: Psalm 37:21 “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving.” The Call to Faithful Repayment • Romans 13:8 — “Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law.” • Proverbs 22:7 — “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” • Exodus 22:14 – 15 — Anyone who borrows an animal and it is harmed “must make full restitution.” • Ecclesiastes 5:4 – 5 — “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it… fulfill your vow.” • Luke 19:8 — Zacchaeus’ four-fold repayment shows repentance proven by action. Old Testament Precedents for Integrity • Leviticus 25:35 – 37 — Support a struggling brother; “do not take any interest or profit from him.” • Deuteronomy 24:14 – 15 — Pay hired workers promptly; withholding wages is oppression. • Proverbs 3:27 – 28 — “Do not withhold good from the one to whom it is due… do not say, ‘Come back tomorrow,’ when you already have it.” Wisdom Literature on Generosity • Proverbs 11:24 – 25 — “One gives freely, yet gains even more… A generous soul will prosper.” • Proverbs 19:17 — “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.” • Psalm 112:5 — “Good will come to the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice.” • Deuteronomy 15:7 – 8 — “Open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs.” Jesus’ Teaching and Example • Matthew 5:42 — “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” • Luke 6:34 – 35 — Lend expecting nothing in return; imitate the Father’s kindness. • Luke 6:38 — “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” • Acts 20:35 — “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Early Church Pattern • Acts 2:44 – 45; 4:32 – 35 — Believers sell possessions and distribute to any who have need. • 2 Corinthians 9:6 – 8 — Sowing generously brings generous harvest; “God loves a cheerful giver.” • Ephesians 4:28 — Work so you “may have something to share with the one in need.” • 1 Timothy 6:17 – 18 — The wealthy are to “be generous and ready to share.” • Hebrews 13:16 — “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Practical Reminders for Today • Treat every obligation—financial or otherwise—as a sacred trust to be honored in full and on time. • Plan spending so repayment and giving are both priorities, not afterthoughts. • Refuse exploitative interest or predatory lending; seek terms that bless, not burden. • Live simply, freeing resources to meet others’ needs and advance gospel work. • Remember: faithful repayment guards our witness, and joyful generosity mirrors the heart of our gracious, giving God. |
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