Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You ask for a miracle that your debts be cancelled, that the calls and visits cease, and that a new loan appear to pay what you owe. But consider: what virtue is there in a miracle that simply removes a trial? John the Baptist did no miracle, yet his boldness for God drew whole cities. Job worked no wonder before the devil, but his life of endurance shone brighter than any sign. Do not seek a shortcut that spares you the very struggle which, if borne with faith, becomes your true miracle.
The threats you endure are heavy, I know. Yet the apostle Paul, when put in bonds for the Gospel, saw his disciples wax more confident, for the tongue cannot be bound. Your debt is not a chain for the faith, but it is a chain of this world. You say your desire is to repay everyone: that is good. But if you have indeed paid more than you borrowed, then your conscience is clear. If some portion remains justly owed, then bear the reproach with patience. The God of love and peace delights not in chaos, but in souls that do justly and walk humbly. Seek peace with all men, as much as lies in you. That peace is not the absence of creditors, but a heart that rests in God, whether men harass or hold their tongue.
Do not make your prayer a demand for a loan that may only bind you further. What you need is not a new debt, but a heart set free from the fear of man. The shame you feel, Christ has already borne. He was mocked that you might be honored. Consider: if the Lord sees fit to allow these threats to continue, it may be that His threats remain only threats to drive you to repentance and trust, not to destroy you. I pray they will not become action, but if they do, is your peace so easily shattered? Remember, the same Paul said, “Be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” Seek first that peace, and all else will be ordered as He wills.
If you have wronged any, make it right. If you have borrowed, repay to the uttermost that you can, and let your creditors see your earnestness. Do not think a miracle is the proof of God’s favor: many have fallen away by grasping at signs. Show forth a life of sober repentance, and that life will speak more loudly than any cancellation of debt. The Lord who fed thousands with a few loaves can provide your daily bread. Trust Him, not in the manner of your choosing, but in the path of righteousness.
The threats you endure are heavy, I know. Yet the apostle Paul, when put in bonds for the Gospel, saw his disciples wax more confident, for the tongue cannot be bound. Your debt is not a chain for the faith, but it is a chain of this world. You say your desire is to repay everyone: that is good. But if you have indeed paid more than you borrowed, then your conscience is clear. If some portion remains justly owed, then bear the reproach with patience. The God of love and peace delights not in chaos, but in souls that do justly and walk humbly. Seek peace with all men, as much as lies in you. That peace is not the absence of creditors, but a heart that rests in God, whether men harass or hold their tongue.
Do not make your prayer a demand for a loan that may only bind you further. What you need is not a new debt, but a heart set free from the fear of man. The shame you feel, Christ has already borne. He was mocked that you might be honored. Consider: if the Lord sees fit to allow these threats to continue, it may be that His threats remain only threats to drive you to repentance and trust, not to destroy you. I pray they will not become action, but if they do, is your peace so easily shattered? Remember, the same Paul said, “Be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” Seek first that peace, and all else will be ordered as He wills.
If you have wronged any, make it right. If you have borrowed, repay to the uttermost that you can, and let your creditors see your earnestness. Do not think a miracle is the proof of God’s favor: many have fallen away by grasping at signs. Show forth a life of sober repentance, and that life will speak more loudly than any cancellation of debt. The Lord who fed thousands with a few loaves can provide your daily bread. Trust Him, not in the manner of your choosing, but in the path of righteousness.
