Unpaid Debts

When I owe taxes, Paul believes that I should pay them. If it is proper to respect someone, he counts that also in unpaid debt terms. He implies that I should pay off all my debts but one – I always owe you love (Romans 13:8.)

What is different in cultural terms today that should influence the way I try to interpret what Paul was telling the Roman believers? What is my responsibility to you regarding your debt to love me? What can I do if you don’t pay up?

Indebtedness drives much of modern culture and economics and relationships. A borrower is still the slave of a lender. An indebted person who refuses to pay their debts is considered as much as a thief.

If I base the quality of my work on debt, I am more influenced to quality work when I owe you than when you owe me. If you don’t pay me as you should, the quality or quantity of my work is likely to suffer.

If the cross of Christ is part of every economic equation I allow into my life, much of what is owed me will be paid to Jesus. Much of what I owe will be paid by Jesus. I will be more at peace and more effective in my life and work and relationships.