Listen

Don’t be in debt to anyone, except for the obligation to love each other. Whoever loves another person has fulfilled the Law.

Romans 13:8

Think

I grew up before the age of Venmo, so whenever a friend owed you money, it was anyone’s guess as to when you would get that money back. You had to be with that friend, at a time when they were carrying the right amount of cash, and you had to either wait for them to remember or be bold enough to ask them yourself. My college roommate still teases me that I owe her $13 for a rug we bought together when George W. Bush was president.

Sometimes these things become jokes (although I really should Venmo her that $13), but sometimes, debts tear relationships apart. When St. Paul writes to the Romans, he’s giving them a warning that advice columnists still give today: DON’T loan anything of value to family or friends. Either give the item freely, as a gift, or don’t give it at all.

When a friend owes us money or favors, it’s hard to let it go. But sometimes, in service to the friendship, it’s the best thing to do.

Catherine Healy

Question to Ponder:

Do you have any debts you need to forgive?

Pray

Loving God, you forgive all my debts to you. Make me a generous giver and a gracious receiver, and help me live out my obligation to love other people, so that I can fulfill your law. Amen.

Go

“Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. And believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.”

– Misty Copeland, American ballet dancer