The Old Testament teaches the legal and moral obligation to pay just debts must be balanced with compassion and a call for cancellation of debts. Jesus promoted debt forgiveness and preached the importance of placing love and compassion above greed and wealth.
In Luke 6:34-35, Jesus said: “And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies and, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish.â€
“The consistent teaching of both the Old and New Testaments is that compassion, mercy and justice are to override purely economic concerns, such as loans. Religious people are to be gracious to all, even debtors,” according to the essay, Forgive Us Our Debts.
About Jill Michaux
