Biblical Answer

The concept of God allowing medical debt to destroy families is often misunderstood. Many people believe that God owes them a debt-free life and that any suffering is a result of God's failure to pay this debt. However, this perspective overlooks the biblical concept of sin and its consequences. As Anselm notes, sin is a debt that humanity owes to God, but we are unable to pay it. God, in His justice, demands that this debt be paid, but He also provides a way for satisfaction through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. This satisfaction does not wipe out the debt, but rather, it allows God to forgive humanity and provide a way for us to be reconciled to Him.

The idea that God owes us a debt-free life is a false narrative. God is not a creditor who must pay a debt, but rather, He is a just and loving Father who desires a personal relationship with us. The concept of debt is not a transactional relationship, but rather, it is a matter of justice and mercy. As Paul notes in Romans 3:26, God is just and the justifier of those who trust in Him. This means that God is not bound by a contract or a promise to provide a debt-free life, but rather, He is free to act in accordance with His own character and nature.

The biblical concept of suffering is not about God failing to pay a debt, but rather, it is about God's desire to draw us closer to Himself through our struggles and hardships. As the Bible notes, God uses suffering to refine us and to teach us to rely on Him (Psalm 66:10-12). This does not mean that God causes suffering, but rather, He uses it to bring about good in our lives. In the case of medical debt, God may use it to bring about financial discipline, to teach us to rely on Him, and to draw us closer to Himself. Ultimately, God's desire is to have a personal relationship with us, and He uses all things, including suffering, to bring about this relationship.