Legacy Outfitters

Fire Pit Questions - September 2022

"Forgiving Debt"

A recent plan for the government to cancel some student loan debt for some borrowers brought out sharply divided opinions among Jesus followers. Some justify their outrage and disgust with the plan by looking to verses like Psalm 37:21 — “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.” And Ecclesiastes 5:5 — “It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.” And Romans 13:7-8 — “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed…”

On the other side, some look to a translation of the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:12 “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Also, there is the conclusion of the story in Matthew 20 where workers who only worked part of the day got full wages anyway, and the vineyard owner responded to complaints by saying “are you envious because I am generous?”

1. How do you express your perspective on this issue?

2. In what ways could your comments interfere with spreading the Gospel message of forgiveness and salvation through belief in Jesus?

3. As Jesus followers, we are called to show grace, mercy, forgiveness, love and care for the poor and suffering. What are some other uses for the almost $400 billion expected cost of this program that might better help those who are struggling financially?