How does one feel when he or she is under an obligation to repay in return for something especial received in the time of desperate need to survive? Does one owe the debt of gratitude to someone who helped or saved during tough times? Is gratefulness an emotional response or an attitude of expression about someone who helped in a critical situation?
As we know that the secular debt requires full payment since there is an obligation to repay. As a result, no appreciation or acknowledgment is required. However, in a situation when one is unable to pay off his/her full debt then he or she owes the debt of gratitude to a person who helps to resolve this matter. Ironically, in the world we live in there is no one who can help us to repay our full debt. Therefore, we have the bankruptcy laws, a legal process under which a borrower protects assets in order to repay debts. Even under bankruptcy process, certain obligations can’t be discharged. For example, alimony, child support, and student loans, etc. In other words, in this situation, the debtor will go through a constant emotional pain, and as a result, he or she owes no thanks to anyone but requires an immediate help and support.
On the contrary, there is one who owes the debt of gratitude because He paid off our full debt. That is in the spiritual world we’re deep in debt! In fact, this spiritual debt has become the root of all evil deeds among human beings in the world. In fact, no secular proceedings can discharge this debt other than the one who created the universe, and sent His only Son to pay off our deep debt, which is the sin. In order to understand this truth of spiritual debt, Jesus Christ gave us an excellent parable known as an “unmerciful servant,” and in conclusion He stated that “this is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart (Matt.18:35 NKJV).” Since He paid off our deep debt; therefore, He commanded us to forgive our debtors (“Lord’s prayer”). Moreover, Apostle Paul reminded us about this law that took care of our obligation stating that “let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law (Rom.13:8 NKJV).”
Since our debt is fully paid off and we owe a debt of gratitude to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Therefore, we’re thankful for His “grace,” and we need to remind ourselves during this Thanksgiving to forgive others and love one another according to His commandment. As we can see that our spiritual debt and love one another or forgiveness is inversely related, and as a result, there is only an option left for us to choose either one. Let love one another be our attitude because we owe a debt of gratitude to Him who paid it fully once for all of us.
Happy Thanksgiving!