thinking bible.

You asked

how does this ideal of debt free prosperity connect with new testament teachings on wealth and service?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Exodus 22:25

If you lend money to any of my people who is poor among you, you shall not be to him as a creditor. You shall not charge him interest.

This verse is part of a larger collection of laws given to the ancient Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, found in the book of Exodus. These laws cover various aspects of daily life, aiming to establish justice and community within the newly formed nation. This particular instruction deals with how people should treat one another, especially the poor, in financial matters.

How might our understanding of community responsibility influence our approach to lending and financial support today?

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Read alongside it

  • Leviticus 25:35-37

    Expands on the prohibition of charging interest, emphasizing support for a struggling kinsman.

  • Deuteronomy 23:19-20

    Distinguishes between lending to fellow Israelites and to foreigners, concerning interest.

  • Luke 6:34-35

    Jesus encourages lending without expecting repayment, linking it to divine generosity.

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