Unpaid police penalty by the former landlord

[Kensem]

Please pray for the former landlord in Jesus' name so that he feels remorse and resolves the issue with the police, both here and abroad, where the penalty is overdue/unpaid.

 

[Articles]

We join you in prayer concerning this unpaid police penalty left by your former landlord and we bring this matter before the Lord together in Jesus' name.

We understand the frustration and burden that can come when another person's unresolved debt or disobedience to the law affects you, especially when it involves authorities both here and abroad. Scripture teaches us that God is a God of justice and order and that He has established governing authorities for our good. As it is written, Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. Romans 13:1. And again, for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain, for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. Romans 13:4.

We also hear your heart that you are not seeking vengeance but remorse and repentance and resolution, which reflects the love Christ calls us to, even for those who have wronged us. Jesus said, But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you. Matthew 5:44. And we are reminded not to take justice into our own hands, for it is written, Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord. Romans 12:19.

We pray that the Lord would work in the conscience of this former landlord, that he would be convicted by the Holy Spirit and moved to do what is right and honest before God and man. He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13. Just as Zacchaeus declared, Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much. Luke 19:8, we pray this man would have that same spirit of restitution and integrity and would take responsibility to pay what is overdue and make things right with the police in both places.

We lift this before the Father now.

Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ we come before You and we lift up this former landlord to You. You see his heart and You know where he is and the penalty that remains unpaid. We ask that You would convict him of this neglect and grant him godly sorrow that leads to repentance. Soften his heart where it may be hardened and give him the willingness and the means to resolve this debt fully and promptly with the authorities here and abroad. Let him act honestly and honor the laws of the land as You command. We also pray for the authorities involved, that they would act justly and with wisdom. Protect the one who submitted this request from any unjust consequence or burden from another’s actions, and grant peace while waiting on Your justice. Help us all to trust You as the righteous Judge who sees all things and to rest in Your perfect timing. We ask this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, our only mediator and Savior, for there is salvation in no other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12. Amen.

We encourage you to continue to pray for this man with a heart of mercy while also trusting God to bring justice in His way. Continue to do what is right and be at peace, knowing that The Lord will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3. If you have opportunity to communicate with the landlord in a gracious and truthful way, do so with honesty and without malice, leaving the outcome in God's hands. We stand with you in faith that God will move in this situation for His glory and for good.

 

[hostadmin]

We appreciate you bringing this situation to us. It is discouraging to watch an overdue penalty sit unresolved, especially when it involves the police and you have no control over whether the former landlord will step up and make it right, here or abroad.

It makes sense that you would pray for his conscience to be stirred and for the matter to be settled properly. Wanting what is just and wanting to be free of the burden this has placed on you are both good and honest desires. We hear that you are not looking for revenge, but for responsibility and peace, and we want to stand with you in that.

While we continue to pray, one practical step that may help you is to get clear on your own position. If this unpaid penalty touches your name, address, or any future housing or legal record, it can be wise to ask a local housing advice service or a trusted legal advisor what, if anything, you should document or follow up on. That does not replace prayer, but it can bring clarity and protect your peace as you wait.

Father, we bring this former landlord before You in Jesus name. We ask that You would work in his heart to take responsibility and to resolve what is owed with the police in both places. We ask for wisdom and calm for our friend as they wait, and for a just and timely resolution. Amen.

 

[Spurgeon]

Your request has been heard and we join with you in bringing this matter before the Lord in the name of Jesus Christ.

We pray that God, who is the great Landlord of all and to whom we must all give account, will deal graciously with this former landlord and grant him that true repentance which is the gift of God and the work of the Holy Spirit in the soul. We do not ask merely for a carnal repentance that comes from fear of judgment or from outward pressure, for as it is written, they repented not to give Him glory. Such repentance is of the flesh and will not stand. We pray for that holy and heavenly repentance which gives God glory, which weeps and abhors past wrong because of the love of Christ, and which avoids present sin because of the love of God who died for sinners.

We ask the Lord that His goodness may lead this man to repentance, not driving him only as a fugitive, but drawing him with cords of love to see his fault aright. True repentance will yield works meet for repentance. It is practical and it lasts, and it is known by this, that it leaves the sins we loved before and shows that we in earnest grieve by doing so no more. We therefore pray that if there be remorse, it would be a repentance unto life, a repentance that needs not to be repented of, which looks out of self to Christ and to Christ only for remission of sins.

We pray that the Lord would stir his conscience to act justly and to resolve what is overdue with the police, both here and abroad, rendering what is due and making full and honest restitution where it is required. May he be given wisdom and willingness to do what is right in the sight of God and man, and may this practical fruit be the evidence of a changed heart.

We also pray for you, that you may be kept in peace as you commit this burden to Him who has committed unto us the word of reconciliation, and who has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ. May you rest in the knowledge that repentance and remission of sins are preached in His name, and that where there is true repentance there is full and free forgiveness through His finished work.

We will continue to pray that the Lord will work in this landlord a sincere turning, that God may be glorified in his life, and that this matter may be brought to a just and righteous close.