Why should Christians be debt-free?
"Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law."
—Romans 13:8 (ESV)
By God's grace, my wife and I are debt-free. Years ago, we decided to gradually and methodically pay off all our debts, including our mortgage, and in February 2021, we achieved that goal.
Living debt-free is more than a financial goal—it’s a spiritual principle rooted in Scripture. In Romans 13:8, the apostle Paul challenges us to “owe no one anything, except to love.” This isn’t just about money—it’s about the freedom that comes when we live with integrity, responsibility, and trust in God’s provision.
Debt can weigh us down—not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually. It often represents a form of bondage. Proverbs 22:7 reminds us, “The borrower is the slave of the lender.” That’s strong language, but it paints a clear picture. When our finances are tangled in debt, our choices become limited. Our peace can vanish. Our generosity is hindered.
But Scripture also points us toward hope. God is a provider. He delights in meeting our needs and giving wisdom for managing what we’ve been entrusted with. Living debt-free isn’t about having vast wealth—it’s about stewardship. It’s about honoring God with what we have, making wise choices, and walking in contentment.
The path toward financial freedom often begins with a spiritual shift. When we place our security in Christ rather than in material things, we begin to see money as a tool—not a master. We resist the cultural lie that says we need more to be fulfilled. Instead, we live with a posture of gratitude, recognizing that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
Living debt-free also opens the door to radical generosity. When we’re not burdened by monthly payments and mounting interest, we can freely support the work of the gospel, help those in need, and invest in kingdom priorities. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Financial freedom fuels faithful giving.
If you’re burdened by debt right now, take heart. There is no shame in recognizing the need to change. Pray for wisdom. Ask the Lord to guide your steps. Seek godly counsel. Take small, consistent actions toward your goal. Whether it's creating a budget, cutting expenses, or choosing to delay purchases, every faithful decision moves you closer to freedom.
And if you’ve already experienced the blessing of being debt-free, consider how you can encourage others. Share your testimony. Model contentment and generosity. Teach younger generations how to handle money God’s way.
Ultimately, the only debt we are called to carry is the ongoing debt of love. It’s a debt we never fully repay because it mirrors the unending love of Christ for us. He paid the greatest debt we could never afford—our sin—and set us free. When we live in that freedom, both spiritually and financially, we reflect His grace to the world.
© John Stange