Leave No Debt Unsettled Before You Exit This Life
Romans 13
KJV
8+ Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:8
NIV
[8] Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
A few days to my mum’s death I visited her in the village ( Atorkor) we had a mum and son conversation which was full of remembrances. As I left for my car to drive away she asked me to be called back.
I came and sat by her, with rapt attention to hear what she had to say. She looked at me with a smile on her face and said “ vinyè mè gà vavagè akpom alekeà o! To wit “My son you’ll not come to see me like this again”.
In effect, she told me she’ll be gone and this is my last visit! , I felt sad and bad, so I sat long with her, held her legs to massage them as I did earlier before asking to leave, she was experiencing stiff joints.
We then engaged in sharing jokes, fun and we both laughed loudly! It was very difficult for me to leave. And here is her final word that touched me she said “My son if after my death someone comes to tell you I owe her a debt it is not true! “. Truly a week after my visit she passed on!
Beloved, what she said was true as no one ever came to tell us our mum owed him/her after she passed away. This was 25 years ago September 6th, 2000
She left no debt behind which was an amazing example to me. Beloved, settle any debt you owe before you breathe your last.
You may ask what debt do I owe? Debts can be classified under various headings, Ie; economic debt, social debt, etc. The “debt of love” is a “social debt”.
All debts we can settle before we pass on but the debt of Love we can not, It is a “continuing debt” A continuing debt is an obligation that some may call a “ statutory “ payment A statutory payment is a binding debt we owe and must settle whether we like it or not; and this is the debt I owe you-to love you!
Here is how we pay this debt as Paul wrote;;
Colossians 3:13-14
NIV
[13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
[14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Romans 12:17-18
NIV
[17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Beloved, though I owe you a debt and I am desirous to pay, your conduct and attitudes towards me can make it difficult for me to pay. If your conduct and attitudes make it impossible for me to pay then you are the cause and not me
Scriptures say . “ if it is possible “ but here is the case your conduct and attitudes make it “ impossible “. Such circumstances abrogate my indebtedness to you. All I can do is to continue to show you love by following these recommendations
Romans 12:20-21
NIV
[20] On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
My dying mum’s last words to me have impacted and shaped my socio/economic life till today.
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