Romans 13:8

Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law.

'Owe no man anything' -'Leave no debt unpaid' (Wey).

Points to Note:

1. Sadly some have taken this expression to mean that the Christian can never take out. loan or charge something on. credit card, that one must pay cash for everything.

2. Actually the verse is teaching that Christians are not permitted to assume debts we cannot pay. There's nothing wrong with honest debt. (Philemon 1:17) This means that we pay the debt when it is "due". We pay the bills on time, pay the house payment within the agreed time period, etc..

'There is. foolish idea abroad that money given into Church treasuries is more appreciated by God than the paying of honest debts. This isn't true! In God's name pay the honest and wise debts you have contracted with your fellow man...We're doing God no favors if we drive the unforgiven creditor to believe that God approves of thieves as long as they contribute to some Church budget. Spend your money wisely; live within your means..' (McGuiggan p. 385)

'save to love one another' -this is. debt that Christians continually have, we can never fully pay off this debt. Too many have the attitude that the world owes them. Rather, God says, 'you owe others'.

'for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law' -'the Law's horizontal aim was the right treatment of our fellow-man.' (McGuiggan p. 386)