Biblical Context and Principles

Loaning money, or lending, is a topic addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, providing guidance on how such transactions should be conducted among believers and within society. The Bible emphasizes principles of fairness, compassion, and integrity in financial dealings.

Old Testament Teachings

In the Old Testament, the Law given to the Israelites included specific instructions regarding lending. Exodus 22:25 states, "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not be like a moneylender to him; you must not charge him interest." This command underscores the importance of compassion and support for the needy, prohibiting the exploitation of those in financial distress through usury.

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 further elaborates on the attitude one should have when lending: "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs." This passage highlights the call to generosity and the moral obligation to assist those in need.

The concept of the Sabbatical Year, as described in Deuteronomy 15:1-2 , also plays a role in the biblical approach to lending: "At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed." This practice was intended to prevent perpetual indebtedness and promote economic balance within the community.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles continue to address the issue of lending, often emphasizing the spirit in which it should be done. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you" (Matthew 5:42). This instruction encourages a generous and open-hearted approach to lending, reflecting the love and grace that believers are called to exhibit.

Luke 6:34-35 further expands on this principle: "And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 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, for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Here, the focus is on selflessness and the expectation of divine reward rather than earthly repayment.

Ethical Considerations

The Bible consistently warns against the exploitation of the poor and vulnerable through lending practices. Proverbs 22:7 states, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." This proverb serves as a cautionary reminder of the power dynamics inherent in lending and the potential for abuse.

Additionally, the Bible encourages believers to act with integrity and honesty in all financial dealings. Psalm 15:5 describes a righteous person as one "who does not lend his money at interest or take a bribe against the innocent." This verse reinforces the call to ethical conduct and the avoidance of practices that would harm others.

Practical Application

For Christians today, the biblical teachings on loaning money provide a framework for ethical financial practices. Believers are encouraged to lend with generosity, compassion, and fairness, avoiding the exploitation of others and reflecting the love of Christ in their dealings. The principles of debt forgiveness, as seen in the Sabbatical Year, and the call to lend without expecting repayment, challenge Christians to prioritize relationships and community well-being over financial gain.Proverbs 19:17
He that has pity on the poor lends to the LORD; and that which he has given will he pay him again.
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1 John 3:17
But whoever has this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?
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1 Timothy 6:18
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
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Romans 13:8
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law.
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