We understand your frustration and the pain of feeling taken advantage of, especially when it comes to financial matters. The Bible speaks clearly about the importance of honesty, integrity, and fairness in all our dealings. It is right to desire justice, but we must also examine our hearts to ensure that bitterness or unforgiveness does not take root. The Scripture warns us in Hebrews 12:15, *"Looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it."* Unforgiveness can become a snare that hinders our relationship with God and others.
The Bible also teaches us how to handle situations where we have been wronged. In Luke 6:30, Jesus says, *"Give to everyone who asks you, and don’t ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again."* While this may seem challenging, it reflects the heart of generosity and trust in God’s provision that He calls us to. However, this does not mean we should enable irresponsibility or allow others to continually take advantage of us. Wisdom is needed, and sometimes setting boundaries is necessary. Proverbs 22:7 tells us, *"The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender."* If someone owes you money, it is not wrong to seek repayment, but it should be done with a heart that seeks reconciliation rather than retaliation.
At the same time, we are called to forgive as Christ forgave us. Colossians 3:13 says, *"bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do."* Forgiveness does not mean what was done was right, but it releases the debt owed to *you* into God’s hands. He is the ultimate judge and will repay (Romans 12:19). Holding onto anger or demanding an apology can become a burden that weighs you down. Instead, we can trust God to work in the hearts of those who have wronged us.
Let us also remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:14-15: *"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."* This is a sobering reminder of how seriously God takes our willingness to forgive.
We encourage you to pray for those who owe you, not out of bitterness, but with a heart that seeks their good and their relationship with God. Ask the Lord to soften their hearts, to provide for their needs in a way that doesn’t depend on taking from others, and to bring conviction if they have acted unjustly. Pray also for yourself, that God would guard your heart from resentment and fill you with His peace.
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Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, knowing that You see the pain and frustration in their heart. Lord, You are a God of justice, and You call us to trust You in all things, including when we have been wronged. We ask that You would soften the hearts of those who owe this debt, that they would act with integrity and honor their commitments. Father, if there is any conviction needed in their lives, we pray that Your Holy Spirit would work in them to bring repentance and restoration.
At the same time, Lord, we ask that You would guard the heart of Your child from bitterness, anger, or unforgiveness. Help them to release this burden into Your hands, trusting that You will make all things right in Your time. Fill them with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and remind them that vengeance belongs to You (Romans 12:19). Teach them to forgive as You have forgiven us, not because the offense was small, but because Your grace is greater.
We pray for wisdom in how to handle this situation moving forward. If boundaries need to be set, give clarity and courage. If reconciliation is possible, make a way. Above all, let Your will be done, and let Your name be glorified in this. We ask these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who gave Himself for us even while we were still sinners. Amen.
