LENDING
Kimberly Lawrence
Today’s Scripture: “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.” Luke 6:34, ESV
Theme: This Christmas, lend without expectation to someone who may never repay you.
LENDING FOR PROFIT
I’m a banker. I’ve worked in the financial services industry for almost 30 years, so “lending” is a very familiar concept to me. It often starts with a need for more money than someone currently has on hand. That need is then presented to the banker for evaluation of the likelihood that they can and will pay the loan. Once that risk is assessed and the bank approves the loan, the terms of the credit are determined: how long can you have our money? How much interest will you pay over and above what you borrow? And finally, what is the penalty if you fail to pay on time or not at all? Make no mistake, lending is a “for-profit” business. The goal is to get all the money back, on time, along with additional interest and other fees (for making the loan and taking the risk). Banks would not be in business very long if borrowers never paid them back.
UNCONDITIONAL “LENDING”
We each run our very own “bank” of sorts: a record of what we’ve given and what we’ve received. It may be obvious, like money, but may also include things such as praise, gratitude, appreciation, forgiveness, or unconditional love. We like to make sure we are getting back at least as much as we’re giving out. Human nature tells us everything should be equal, that we should give only up to the level of what we’ll get back. However, the Bible tells us to instead tear up our receipts and not to stand there with our hand out, waiting for repayment. God will settle the debt when we lend to those who cannot repay (Proverbs 19:17). As unconditional givers, we can accomplish two great things. First, we can be a blessing of comfort and relief to others, and then show them the love of Christ through true selflessness.
GOD IS EXTRAVAGANTLY GENEROUS
God, as our greatest benefactor, is in the “not for profit” business. He freely gave something we have no ability to repay, at a tremendous cost to Himself: His only Son. We cannot possibly work hard enough or be good enough to earn what He gave at “no charge.” Jesus came before us and paid our debt, in full. Praise Him! So, as we enter the holiday season together, join me in seeking ways to give recklessly and abundantly to reflect the love of Christ to someone else, not because they earned it or deserve it, because neither did we. Do it because we can.
Make It Personal: Allow me to suggest we replace the thought of “lending” to others with the idea of freely giving today. This requires a change of mindset where we abandon the mental record we’re keeping. Do you need to offer forgiveness to someone who hasn’t asked? Free yourself and GIVE! Can you afford to financially bless someone unexpectedly who may never know or repay you? Be a blessing and GIVE! Does someone owe you a debt, financial or otherwise, which you can forgive? GIVE, because you can! Are you harboring resentment, hurt, or anger towards another? Release it and GIVE!
Pray: Father, THANK YOU for Your unconditional love and mercy. Help me reflect Your love to others so they may come to see Your greatness. I want to give generously, without expectation of repayment or acknowledgement, in obedience to You. I sometimes hold a tight grip on my wallet and other things when I feel justified. Allow me to be exceedingly generous in all ways. Amen.
Read: Leviticus 25:35-37; Matthew 5:42; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Deuteronomy 15:7
Weekly Memory Verse: “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-9 (NLT)