Biblical Answer

The Biblical Perspective on Debt

As Christians, we must consider the biblical perspective on debt. While there is no clear-cut teaching outlawing any and all debt, we must understand that debt can be a source of anxiety and stress. In fact, one out of four students in the United States graduates with a significant amount of student loan debt, which can be a heavy burden to carry. The Bible teaches us to live responsibly and to prioritize our spending habits, making sure that our family's needs are met before our wants. We are also called to be good stewards of our resources and to manage our finances in a way that honors God.

The Bible does not condone debt as a means of accumulating wealth or avoiding responsibility. In fact, the book of Proverbs warns against the dangers of debt, stating that "the borrower is slave to the lender" (Proverbs 22:7). This means that when we take on debt, we are essentially putting ourselves in a position of servitude to the lender, which can lead to financial bondage and spiritual oppression. Instead, we are called to live debt-free, or at least to manage our debt in a way that is responsible and honors God.

So, will you ever be debt-free? The answer is yes, but it requires a commitment to responsible financial management and a willingness to prioritize your spending habits. By living below your means, avoiding unnecessary debt, and being a good steward of your resources, you can work towards becoming debt-free. As the Bible says, "Let your one continuing debt be the debt of love" (Romans 13:8). This means that our primary focus should be on loving and serving others, rather than accumulating wealth or avoiding responsibility. By prioritizing love and obedience to God, we can live debt-free and experience the freedom and peace that comes with it.