S) "8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law."
Romans 13:8 (NASB)
O) This is a tough, tough verse to get down. How far does the phrase "owe nothing" really go? I mean, it's wicked to borrow and not repay (Psalm 37:21), but is that to say that it's the wicked who borrow and it's the wicked who pay back (that it's wicked to do either one)? Or is it okay to borrow, and the verse from Romans is really talking about bigger things? I don't think it's wrong to ask for help, certainly, and if people give money to help, I think it's also good discipline and good relationship to repay them, even if they weren't going to ask for repayment... so is that owing them something...? In the verse prior to this one, it says that we are to give to everyone what they are due, whether it's a tax or custom (tangible) or fear or honor (intangible). So this following verse, I think it's really speaking to the bigger picture. I think it's okay to owe some one something, as long as it's still being repaid. I think borrowing is still tricky and, in most cases, ill-advised. But, I think this verse is more about having no outstanding debt (whether tangible or intangible) and repaying as we should, except love, which we should be giving continuously.
A) So, on the practical and monetary side of things, keeping discipline in spending is one of the hardest things in life for me. Ultimately, it's just a work in progress. I'm better now than I was even a year ago, so that's good. Seeing my finances as God's resource, and not my own earning, really helps. Also, I don't want to neglect the second part of this verse. I want to be sure I am actively loving those around me. I don't want my family (or friends) to grow up feeling like I didn't love them enough. So, I need to deliberately do things to show love to my wife and children daily (and other family/friends as opportunity presents itself).
P) Father, forgive me for my carelessness and selfishness with Your money. You provide graciously for me and I want to honor Your blessings with the way I spend money. Holy Spirit, convict me strongly when I am thinking about spending money I shouldn't spend. I will seek Your voice before spending, and let me hear Your instruction. Help me also recognize that I have an unceasing debt of love to my family and friends. Reveal to me fresh, new, effective ways to show them my love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) So, on the practical and monetary side of things, keeping discipline in spending is one of the hardest things in life for me. Ultimately, it's just a work in progress. I'm better now than I was even a year ago, so that's good. Seeing my finances as God's resource, and not my own earning, really helps. Also, I don't want to neglect the second part of this verse. I want to be sure I am actively loving those around me. I don't want my family (or friends) to grow up feeling like I didn't love them enough. So, I need to deliberately do things to show love to my wife and children daily (and other family/friends as opportunity presents itself).
P) Father, forgive me for my carelessness and selfishness with Your money. You provide graciously for me and I want to honor Your blessings with the way I spend money. Holy Spirit, convict me strongly when I am thinking about spending money I shouldn't spend. I will seek Your voice before spending, and let me hear Your instruction. Help me also recognize that I have an unceasing debt of love to my family and friends. Reveal to me fresh, new, effective ways to show them my love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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