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Tim Maas
Supporter
It seems to me that the focus of the cited passage is not on the charging of interest itself, but on the context in which it is done (that is, on the material circumstances of the individual to whom the loan is made, as indicated by the qualifying phrase "who is poor"). However, in another passage in the Law (Deuteronomy 23:19-20), the charging of interest (of any degree) was permitted only on loans made to foreigners (that is, non-Israelites). (At the same time, this does show that the concept of charging interest was not in and of itself a sin.)
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Jesus said in Luke 6:34-35 (ESV) – “And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” This is a verse that comes to me daily in the form of YouVersion, Verse of the Day: Luke 6:36 "You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate." The parallel to that is Matthew 5:46-48 (ESV) "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." "Jesus emphasizes selfless giving, contrasting worldly interest-based lending with godly generosity. The Bible consistently teaches that lending should be done with mercy and generosity, not with a desire to profit off the hardship of others. Ethical financial practices honor God and reflect His heart for justice."-- chatgpt
Donna Williams
Supporter
In this verse what stands out to me is the poor. I believe that we see the heart of God as it pertains to those who are poor. The need to borrow is a sign of lack, and the person becomes a slave to the lender. The debt becomes greater when interest is added. I believe that God is against greed which is the sin of covetousness, which is idolatry according to Colossians 3:5. It's wrong because it reveals the wickedness of the heart. Our actions reveal the thoughts and intentions of our heart. See Hebrews 4:12 Under the New Covenant of grace everything that we do should be done out of the love of God that is in Christ Jesus!
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