Biblical Answer

The Burden of Debt

Debt can be a significant burden, weighing heavily on our minds and hearts. It's not just about the financial aspect, but also the emotional toll it takes on our relationships and sense of well-being. The Bible teaches us that we should render all due obedience to the civil authorities and live as Christians should (Romans 13:1). However, it's essential to recognize that we can't pay back all the debts we owe, especially those related to anger, guilt, and greed. These debts cannot be repaid; the best thing to do is cancel them.

Canceling debt is not about ignoring the past or pretending it didn't happen, but rather acknowledging that we can't make things right on our own. When we try to settle debts, we often end up in a cycle of anger, guilt, and resentment. Forgiveness is not about accepting the lie that we haven't really forgiven, but about making a conscious decision to cancel the debt. This involves making a list of people who have mistreated or taken advantage of us and deciding to cancel the debt. We must make a firm decision and declare, "You don't owe me, you don't owe me, you don't owe me anymore."

In canceling debt, we are not ignoring the hurt or the injustice, but rather releasing ourselves from the burden of it. We are not responsible for making others pay for their wrongdoing, but rather for forgiving them and moving forward. This is not about being passive or accepting abusive behavior, but about choosing to release the debt and live a life free from the weight of resentment and anger. As Jesus said, "Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions" (Luke 12:15), and canceling debt is about recognizing that our worth and value come from God, not from what we own or owe. By canceling debt, we can experience true freedom and peace, and live a life that reflects the values of compassion, forgiveness, and love.