UPFRONT September 28, 2009 Issue

DIGGING OUT OF DEBT

KIM SHIPPEY, SENIOR WRITER

In today's economy, many people the world over are grappling with debt. There are too many individuals who are in deep holes—not necessarily of their making—and are looking for a way out. They include the swelling ranks of the unemployed, families overwhelmed by mortgage payments, college graduates trying to repay loans, and retirees distraught over diminishing pensions.

Yet Biblical examples provide hope. Take the Old Testament account of the widow whom Elisha prayerfully helped break free of debt by spiritually expanding her concept of God's provision (see II Kings 4:1–7). Or consider the compassion Jesus called for in handling debt when he told the story of the official who owed the king ten thousand talents but wasn't so lenient toward his debtors (see Matt. 18:23–35).

Narratives of that kind point consistently toward spiritual solutions. So do the experiences our feature writers share this week.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

ITEMS OF INTEREST