“And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us” - Mathew 6:14 (NIV).

There is a common saying in the trading community “sitya loss” which is to say that to be a trader one has to have a thick skin. When you advance credit sometimes you win when the person pays back their dues. However, sometimes you lose where you find those who default.

A question is what do you do to those who do not come through on their obligations, perhaps even deliberately? In the above verse, Jesus tells us “to forgive our debtors” because after all, we are forgiven. Though it might not make a lot of business sense initially the account that is forgiven may pay itself back with those who meet their dues. Forgiveness is certainly not a recommended business practice, but the spiritual basis here, which is our focus, is we too have been forgiven and strictly speaking the debt of our sin was not equal the price of the blood of Christ on the cross.

Nonetheless, lest we lose sight of it, believers ought to pay their dues, ever, unless otherwise. This is only good because of the need to keep a good name in the community. Relationships are soured whenever one defaults on their legal obligations.

Traditionally believers would not even take on debts. It is safer that way. “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law” (Rom 13:8, NLT). But in those instances where one must, then, of course for the sake of Christ, such must pay. Meanwhile the lender who might be running an enterprise has also to hear what God is saying in that matter. “..if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2 Tim 2:13).

Prayer for today: Lord Father God today I pray that as you have forgiven me, I too may be quick to forgive others, because of your priceless blood which paid the ultimate sacrifice for my eternal salvation!