Good Debt?!?!

It has come into fashion in recent years to be 'debt-free', especially in certain Christian circles. I guess the COB never had that push, because if we are 'living simply' as we ought, then we don't get into debt... at least because of material things we buy. So, when we think of debt, whether college debt or house payment debt or car loan debt, whatever it is, it's not a very pleasant thing. We don't jump around saying, "Hooray! I have $10,000 in debt!" or "I have $10,000 still left to pay off. Thank the Lord! I love paying that every month." We'd only be excited when we'd notice it shrinking and going away or when we paid it off, we throw a party.

But today's scripture challenges us to imagine another kind of debt. The 'continuing debt to love on another.' This debt is different. In fact, we should jump around, exciting that we still have more to give, more and more and more. It is continual, but due to God's grace you'll never get a late-paid penalty or increase in your interests. No, this debt is a beautiful thing... and we do love paying it... as often as we can, more than every month.


8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet,"[a] and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."[b] 10Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:8-10)


To put this scripture into context, it comes right after Paul is reminding the Roman church to respect whoever is in authority and pay their taxes. This might've been of import, because several church communities at that time were rather communitarian, with a common pot. They weren't used to the taxing system and didn't see how it fit it. Was it contrary to Christianity? But Paul was telling them there was nothing wrong to it; they simply need to pay who they owe, what they owe. And from that, he transitions to what we owe, what we are allowed to remain in debt for. We are constantly to love our brothers and sisters with the law of love, which is above the law and upholds the law.

However, whenever we think of 'debt,' we think of an obligations. So this might present a challenge to us and lead us back into legalism. Instead, we should see the 'debt' as a gift. We are allowed to love our brothers and sisters. It is a beautiful opportunity to be the hands and feet of the Lord. And in fact, it simplifies everything. We don't need to be worried about all the rules and rights and wrongs, all we need to ask in every circumstance, in every decision is... is this the most loving way? How can I be loving in _____ (my course planning, my interactions with other grad students, my work day, my parenting, etc)? How can I be loving, because I want to be loving... and we, with the Holy Spirit in our lives, are blessed to be able to show Jesus love for us every way, continuing on through eternity.