Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

The Old Testament prohibited Israelites from charging interest on monetary loans made to other Israelites (especially those who were poor), but permitted it on loans made to non-Israelites (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:37, Deuteronomy 23:20).

Jesus, however, noted that even non-believers would lend to others if they had the expectation of being paid back. He therefore called on His followers to lend to others (even to their enemies) while expecting nothing (not even the amount of the loan) in return, since that reflected the way in which God showed mercy to both the just and the unjust (Luke 6:34-35).

Therefore, I would say that, in a commercial sense or non-faith context, the lending of money (even with interest) would not be prohibited by God, but the higher goal toward which all followers of Christ should strive is to share their resources with others (and especially to fellow believers in need) with the same generosity that God has shown to them (Acts 4:32-37).

July 26 2020 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report