The debt of love

In the Bible, the apostle Paul gives a clear picture of what 'paying a debt' includes: 'Give to everyone what you owe them: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law' (Romans 13:7-8 NIV).

It's very clear that when Paul says debt, he means more than just money. Financial debt is definitely included, but so are debts of honour and respect. Which isn't quite as simple as paying our friend back the five dollars we owe for that pizza.

How could we possibly manage to give everyone everything they deserve? We reckon that Paul's approach to giving people their dues comes easier when our focus is on being generous. It's all about being willing. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT it says, 'God loves a cheerful giver'. What if we apply that as a life principle? Whether it's paying back cash, giving respect to someone or sharing the love of God, there's no point if we do it with a frown, or because we feel arm-twisted into it. Let's decide in our hearts to give everything we owe generously, and we'll feel the difference.



So what now? Give back more than you owe. Whether it's money towards dinner, honouring someone for something they've done, or calling someone on their birthday, give a little bit more than you have to, with the generous love of God guiding your heart.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Let love be your only debt!' Romans 13:8 CEV
— SOULFOOD —

Micah 5-7, John 19:31-42, Ps 105:23-36, Pro 30:15-19