Biblical Answer

Biblical Stewardship and Student Debt

The Bible does not explicitly prohibit all debt, but it does emphasize the importance of integrity, personal responsibility, and avoiding unnecessary debt. In Romans 13:8, it is written, "Owe no one anything, except to love one another." However, this verse is not a prohibition on all debt, but rather a call to live a life of love and generosity. The Bible also warns against the dangers of debt, such as the inability to meet obligations (Prov 11:15; 22:7,26), and the consequences of not repaying debt (Ps 37:21).

When it comes to student debt, biblical stewardship involves being mindful of the debt we incur and taking responsibility for it. This means being careful not to accumulate unnecessary debt and making a plan to repay it. The Bible encourages us to live below our means and avoid living in a state of perpetual debt (Prov 22:7). It also emphasizes the importance of being a good steward of our resources, including our time and talents, as well as our finances.

In the parable of the unmerciful servant, Jesus teaches that our debt to God is cancelled when we accept his gift of salvation through faith in him. However, our debt to others, including our student loans, is still a real responsibility that we must take seriously. As Christians, we are called to live a life of integrity and responsibility, including being good stewards of our finances. This means making a plan to repay our student debt in a timely and responsible manner, and being mindful of the impact that our debt has on our relationships with others and our ability to serve God. By living a life of biblical stewardship, we can avoid the pitfalls of debt and live a life of freedom and responsibility.