We Are Debtors

We Are Debtors

“We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Rom. 15:1.

“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” 1 John 2:6.

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16.

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11.

“Because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.” 3 John 7-8.

The apostle Paul says about himself, “I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.” Rom. 1:14.

“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other.” 2 Thess. 1:3.

“If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes you anything, put that on my account. I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.” Philem. 17-19.

We observe that the apostle Paul even assumes the financial debt that the slave Onesimus may have had. This testifies to the oneness and love that exists in the body of Christ on earth. So that there is equality, the one person’s abundance comes to the aid of another’s need. He knew that Onesimus was a brother who would gladly pay his debt, but if he did not have opportunity to do so, the apostle would gladly pay it on his behalf.

We are in debt that is like no other debt; we assume this debt in faith for the sake of love. Out of love for Christ, we discover that we are debtors and we owe all this and much more.

We choose to be debtors. We want to be debtors. Love compels us to be debtors. The fact that we owe all this is the truth, whether we acknowledge the debt or not. However, the one who considers himself a debtor gets joy and blessedness out of it. On the other hand, the person who does not consider himself a debtor for Jesus’ sake loses out on joy and blessedness.

“Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you.” Prov. 4:7-9.

“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” Prov. 3:13-17.