On Wednesday President Biden announced a plan to wipe out significant amounts of student loan debt, saying he would cancel $10,000 in debt for those earning less than $125,000 per year and $20,000 for Pell grants recipients.
Many hailed the plan the fulfillment of a Biden campaign promise as a lifeline given by a grateful nation to help those in need.
But critics — including some members of Mr. Biden’s own party — said the move was deeply unfair.
The Republican National Committee released a statement slamming the program as “Biden’s bailout for the wealthy.”
Senator Ben Sasse, Republican of Nebraska, said the plan baptizes a broken system.
Across the United States, 45 million people owe $1.6 trillion for federal loans taken out for college — more than they owe on car loans, credit cards or any consumer debt other than mortgages.
More than eight million people one in five borrowers with a payment due — had defaulted on their loans before the coronavirus pandemic. Many of those people carried fairly small balances and will now be eligible for loan cancellation.
So, what exactly does the Bible really say about loan forgiveness? Versus being quoted around the internet includes. Those supporting the Biden plan quote Deuteronomy 15:1 outlining the practice of forgiving debts every seven years. “The wicked borrow, and do not pay back” Psalm 37:21 is being used by those who oppose the plan.
In moments like these when Biblical text seems to add to the confusion. I turn to the actions of Jesus for guidance.
In Luke 14: 7-23 Jesus is invited to dinner by a leader of the Pharisees. There he sees the lack of humility, hospitality, harmony among the guest. An appalling mixture of uncaring, selfness and greed, which he cannot bless.
Jesus calls us to compassion, covenant, loving-kindness. Jesus calls us to embrace our role as our brother’s and sister’s keeper. Jesus calls us as he taught us how to pray; “To give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Debt forgiveness is Biblical, debt forgiveness is right Student loan debt forgiveness is what Jesus wants us to do.
Join us tomorrow at Greater Bethel, Athens as we explore more of what Jesus did in that dinner party in a teaching from 14: 7-23 entitled “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner.” Worship with us in person at 11:00 AM. We are at 140 Rose Street in Athens. Join our stream by liking our Facebook page or subscribing to our YouTube channel.
So, until tomorrow at 11:00 blessings, peace, and love.
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