Owing man vs. owing GOD...

[appy]

9 hours ago, CaptWalker said:

If anyone doesn't feel obligated to at least give a tithe then that is between them and God and i am not to judge them. But i personally feel guilty for not doing so,

Is this because you feel you have to give a lot more than you can afford to? Since you say you feel guilty for not tithing, by all means then, give a tithe from what you have and can give, not from what you do not have.  Nowhere in scripture are we commanded to give up half of our income in tithes as Zacchaeus did or give a large sum. Zacchaeus was not commanded to do so, but volunteered.  The widow at the temple in Mark 12, gave the last of what she had which was just a penny's worth.  The Lord did not commend the rich people's large gifts, but her humble small gift.  Her attitude and motive was key. 

The Lord understands when our circumstances are beyond our control and takes that into account.  Giving should be viewed as a privilege instead of a burden or sense of duty. Prayerfully consider the following verses.

1 Corinthians 16:2
On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 8:12-13
For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.

 

[luigi]

On 1/18/2021 at 9:08 AM, CaptWalker said:

Hello to all-

Well this question is based primarily on Luke-19:8, since i couldn't find another verse which might be more relevant. But was just wondering about how God might judge those(such as me) who owe over $2000 in credit card debt and end up dying, or the Lord returns before any of it is paid off? And also is owing money to a Bank the same as owing it to an individual, who may actually really need it paid back ASAP, and are there any specific verses about this? But either way I know God forgives all "debts" monetary or otherwise, but still i can't see Him being too happy about it. And my own opinion is that you might forfeit some of the rewards you may have received, and that there will be a level of embarrassment associated with that and seeing so many others receiving so much more as far as approval from our Father is concerned, but then that could also happen because of other sins as well. Anyway it's just something i have been feeling really guilty about, and it most of it is due to Covid and being unemployed and not just careless spending.

Whether from a bank or an individual, one who makes a loan gambles on it being repaid. Banks make these bets/loans because they anticipate profit from the interest they charge. When someone defaults on their loan payment, the bank has lost the bet. It is, however, all factored into the amount of interest they charge, so that they do expect some people to default on their loans.

[francesco]

Dear Captwalker, I can empathize with your situation.  I too have often ruminated over various "debts" owed during my life; some monetary, others of a more ethereal nature.  The key I have learned from the guidance of a number of learned christian spiritual advisors, is contained in intention.  If God has allowed you to become aware of a debt of some sort, be it monetary or otherwise, then you must deal with this issue in a way that will bring you peace of mind and heart.  Of course, as a christian this would require you to base your action(s) upon the teachings of Christ.  For me there have been instances in which my perceived debt did not actually constitute sin, but rather a lesser infraction of justice in some way.  What was required here was for me to devise a way in which that debt could be best repaid.  In many cases, especially for debts which have existed for some time, the plan may not be perfect.  That's okay.  As long as you make a heartfelt attempt to balance the scales in some meaningful way, God will take care of the rest.  The peace you will experience will far surpass any sacrifice you may make in terms of repayment.  God wants us to try as best we can; not necessarily our bestest best, but our best.  For He is a loving master.  Remember intention counts for so much.  It is the value of your heart that He will judge, not the balance sheet of some earthly list of debts.  Say yes to God and He will provide all that you need.  Trust in Him.  I sense that you are well on your way toward your eternal reward.  God bless you.