Debt is an issue that affects many people, both spiritually and financially. It can be overwhelming and stressful, but the Bible offers wisdom and promises that can provide hope and comfort. The concept of debt cancellation is deeply rooted in Scripture, reflecting God‘s desire for His people to live in freedom, without the burden of debt. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous passages that discuss God’s provisions for debt forgiveness, the importance of trusting Him, and the hope of being released from financial burdens.
This article provides 47 Scriptures on debt cancellation, along with detailed explanations, to help you understand how God’s Word addresses financial freedom. These scriptures not only provide comfort but also guide believers in how to approach debt, faith, and financial freedom.
1. Deuteronomy 15:1-2
“At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan they have made to their fellow Israelite. They shall not require payment from anyone among their own people, because the Lord’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed.”
In the Old Testament, God instituted the Year of Jubilee, a time when debts were to be forgiven. This scripture shows God’s heart for debt cancellation, ensuring that people would not be burdened by financial obligations indefinitely.
2. Deuteronomy 15:3
“You may require payment from a foreigner, but you must cancel any debt your brother owes you.”
This verse highlights the importance of showing mercy to fellow believers. God’s command was that Israelites should forgive debts to their fellow countrymen, demonstrating His mercy and compassion toward one another.
3. Leviticus 25:35-37
“If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you. Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God, so that they may continue to live among you.”
This passage speaks to how the people of God were instructed to treat those in debt. They were called to help their brothers and sisters without charging interest, showing love and generosity in the process.
4. Leviticus 25:39-41
“If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and sell themselves to you, do not make them work as slaves. They are to be treated as hired workers or temporary residents among you; they are to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. Then they and their children are to be released, and they will go back to their own clans and to the property of their ancestors.”
This Scripture emphasizes the practice of restoring freedom during the Year of Jubilee. It shows that debt should not result in permanent servitude, and everyone should have the opportunity to return to their rightful place.
5. Exodus 22:25
“If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge them no interest.”
This command is clear in demonstrating that believers should not take advantage of those in need. God calls for a compassionate approach to lending, offering help without expecting anything in return.
6. Matthew 6:12
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
This part of the Lord’s Prayer highlights the importance of forgiveness, both in the spiritual and financial realm. It teaches that just as we are forgiven by God, we are to forgive others, including forgiving debts.
7. Matthew 18:27
“The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.”
In this parable, Jesus teaches the importance of mercy. The master forgives the servant’s debt because of his compassion. It demonstrates that forgiveness of debts is an act of grace.
8. Matthew 18:32-34
“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.”
This passage warns that while God is merciful, He also expects us to extend that mercy to others. If we are unwilling to forgive, we may be subject to consequences.
9. Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Forgiveness is essential for a healthy relationship with God. In the context of debt, it reminds us that we must forgive others’ financial obligations to us in order to receive God’s forgiveness.
10. Luke 7:42
“Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
This verse from the parable of the two debtors shows how forgiveness of debt increases love and gratitude. The one who had their debt forgiven was more grateful, illustrating the power of debt cancellation.
11. Luke 11:4
“Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.”
Another example from the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus emphasizes the need to forgive others, including forgiving financial debts. When we forgive others, we also allow ourselves to experience God’s forgiveness.
12. Romans 13:8
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
Paul encourages believers to avoid outstanding financial debts, urging them to live in love and harmony with others. The only debt we should carry is the debt of love.
13. 2 Corinthians 8:9
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
This verse speaks of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. His willingness to become poor for our benefit is a form of debt cancellation that leads to spiritual riches.
14. Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
This promise assures that God will provide for all our needs, including financial ones. When we trust in Him, He will provide the resources needed to cancel our debts.
15. 1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Just as God forgives our spiritual debt, He also provides the opportunity for us to experience freedom from financial debt when we trust in His provision.
16. 2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
God promises to supply all our needs and bless us abundantly, which includes delivering us from financial burdens like debt.
17. Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”
This verse contrasts the actions of the wicked and the righteous. The righteous are characterized by generosity and not being burdened by unrepentant debt.
18. Psalm 112:5
“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.”
Generosity leads to blessings, and God promises that those who lend without expecting repayment will be rewarded.
19. Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act.”
This verse reminds us of our responsibility to help others financially, especially when it is within our power to do so. God’s call is to act with kindness and generosity.
20. Proverbs 6:1-5
“My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go to the point of exhaustion and give your neighbor no rest! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.”
This passage offers wisdom on avoiding unnecessary debt and freeing oneself from financial entanglements, emphasizing action and determination.
21. Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
This verse highlights the danger of debt, illustrating how it can lead to a form of slavery. It serves as a reminder to be cautious about incurring debt.
22. Proverbs 28:8
“Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or making usury is amassing it for another, who will be kind to the poor.”
This scripture stresses the importance of fair financial dealings. When people exploit others for personal gain through high-interest loans, they are accumulating wealth that will ultimately be used for the benefit of those in need.
23. Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
This passage speaks to the mission of Jesus, bringing freedom to those bound by oppression, including financial burdens.
24. Jeremiah 31:34
“No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
God’s forgiveness extends to all areas of life, including debt. This verse affirms God’s commitment to canceling our debt of sin, and by extension, helping to release us from financial debt as well.
25. Ezekiel 18:7
“Anyone who does not take interest or profit from the poor but who conducts his business in accordance with the law, who does what is right and just, will live.”
This verse teaches us to conduct business honestly and fairly, without exploiting the poor or taking advantage of those in debt.
26. Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
In this verse, Jesus encourages generosity. Offering help to those in financial need is an expression of love and kindness.
27. Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”
Jesus’ mission was one of freedom, which includes the cancellation of debt, both spiritually and financially.
28. Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
The act of sharing and helping those in financial distress is a way to reflect the heart of God and His generosity toward us.
29. 1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”
Even in times of financial pressure, God promises to provide a way out and help us endure.
30. 2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
God loves generosity, and giving to those in need, including forgiving debts, is a way to honor Him.
31. Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”
This verse encourages contentment, reminding us that our security is in God, not in material wealth or financial freedom.
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32. Hebrews 10:34
“You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.”
This verse reminds us that earthly possessions, including wealth and financial freedom, are temporary. It calls us to value eternal rewards, which transcend earthly debt or wealth.
33. James 2:15-16
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
This passage emphasizes the importance of practical assistance, including financial help. It teaches that faith without action, including helping those in debt, is incomplete.
34. 1 John 3:17-18
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Here, John calls for active compassion, not just verbal assurances. Helping those in need, including debt cancellation, is a tangible way to express God’s love.
35. 2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
This verse reminds us of God’s patience and His desire for all people to experience freedom, including freedom from financial burdens.
36. Isaiah 55:1-2
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.”
This passage reflects God’s offer of spiritual provision that is freely given. It symbolizes how God provides for our needs, including canceling financial debts when we trust in His provision.
37. Psalm 51:17
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
A heart of humility before God is essential. When we acknowledge our need for God’s help, He offers grace that can lead to the cancellation of both spiritual and financial debts.
38. Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This passage reminds us to focus on eternal treasures, not temporary earthly wealth. It teaches that debt should not enslave us, and we should set our hearts on God’s eternal provisions.
39. Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
This promise assures that God hears our prayers, including those for financial freedom and the cancellation of debt. God invites us to ask, seek, and knock for His provision.
40. John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Jesus offers freedom in all areas of life, including financial freedom. When we trust Him, we can experience true liberty, including the cancellation of debt.
41. 2 Corinthians 5:19
“That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”
Just as God reconciles and cancels our sin debt, He also provides for our financial freedom through His grace and provision.
42. 1 Timothy 6:6-10
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Paul reminds us that contentment and godliness are more valuable than wealth. Financial burdens can weigh heavily on a believer, but trusting in God and being content can free us from the cycle of debt.
43. Hebrews 13:5-6
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'”
Again, this verse emphasizes contentment. When we rely on God’s provision, we can face challenges, including debt, without fear, knowing that He is our helper.
44. Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
This verse speaks of spiritual freedom, but it can also apply to financial freedom. We are not meant to be enslaved by debt, but to live freely in Christ’s provision.
45. Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Forgiveness is central to God’s economy, and it extends to debts. Just as we have been forgiven, we are called to forgive others, including forgiving debts.
46. Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse reinforces the idea of forgiveness, both in spiritual matters and financial ones. We are to forgive as God forgives, offering freedom and release from burdens, including debt.
47. Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Finally, this verse gives us hope for the future. In God’s eternal Kingdom, all burdens, including financial ones, will be wiped away. Debt will no longer be a concern, and we will experience perfect freedom in His presence.
Conclusion
These 47 Scriptures demonstrate that God desires to free His people from the burdens of debt, offering His forgiveness, mercy, and provision. Whether in the Old or New Testament, the theme of financial freedom, generosity, and forgiveness is prevalent throughout God’s Word. As you meditate on these Scriptures, remember that God is a provider, and He desires to release you from any financial encumbrance, just as He has freed us from the weight of sin. Trust in Him, seek His help, and rest in His promises of deliverance from debt.
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