When you owe someone money, it changes the relationship.
You do things you wouldn’t ordinarily do out of indebtedness. And if not relieved, obligation will turn to hate.
It sounds like a good deal, so Tom agrees. No paperwork is drawn up, because they’re family. Tom and his wife buy their house and start enjoying life.
Their relationship is changing.
Thanksgiving rolls around, and it’s time to see the in-laws again. “We’ve missed you guys,” Mom says, opening the door.
“Yeah,” Tom replies, “We’ve just been so busy.”
“Before dinner, would you mind helping me?” Dad asks.
Although what Dad wants isn’t too difficult, Tom agrees, feeling like he’s somehow paying his debt.
But in the back of his mind, he is thinking, When are you guys gonna move into a retirement home where people are paid to help you?
Unfortunately, many people have this same mentality with God, serving Him out of obligation.
Is there hope for this kind of relationship? Only if the debt is forgiven.
Praise God, Jesus removed the debt of sin between us and God. Today we can enjoy a debt-free relationship with Him without fear and without obligation.
Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity And passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in unchanging love.
Micah 7:18 (New American Standard Bible)
