The trap of the interest (Part I)
The Word of God tells us not to conform to this world (Romans 12: 2) and by "this world" it just means the world system. Without realizing it, the Church is influenced by capitalism and the democratic system. The system of the world and especially the financial system has no compassion and the love of the neighbor is not its concern. Most of us have bank accounts and others must repay loans with interest.
Sometimes a brother or sister in the Lord is in a big financial need and comes to you to borrow money. What are your requirements when you lend him your money? Do you charge him an interest or a pledge?
Let's see what God wants in this case: “If you lend money to any of MY PEOPLE who are poor among you, you shall not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him interest” (Exodus 22: 25).
First, money is lent to my people, which means someone in the house of God (church). It says that it is a poor man who is among you. This does not mean that it is a poor in the street but the poor among you. In other words, it is your friend, your brother or sister in Christ who is often with you.
Your brother or sister in the Lord comes to share with you a serious financial problem and borrows you some money to be paid back later. If you give him your money by requiring an interest, it means that you take advantage of his problem to benefit you and you lack compassion. The verse is clear in saying "... you shall not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him interest". The word "moneylender" means "bank". If your brother or sister in the Lord is in need and you have the means to help out, do not act as a banker but show him the love of God in you.
In the second part, I will share with you my own testimony that opened my eyes to understand how the devil takes advantage of our problems to divide the body of Christ
Chris Ndikumana
