Topical Bible: Property: Personal: Loaned

◄ Property: Personal: Loaned ►

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In biblical times, the concept of loaning personal property was a common practice, governed by specific laws and ethical guidelines. The Scriptures provide various instructions and examples regarding the lending and borrowing of personal property, emphasizing principles of justice, mercy, and responsibility.

Old Testament Guidelines

The Mosaic Law contains several directives concerning the loaning of personal property. In Exodus 22:14-15 , the law addresses the responsibility of a borrower: "If a man borrows an animal from his neighbor and it is injured or dies while its owner is not present, he must make restitution. But if the owner was present, no restitution is required. If the animal was hired, the fee covers the loss."

This passage highlights the importance of accountability and fairness in transactions involving borrowed property. The borrower is expected to care for the property as if it were their own, and restitution is required if the property is damaged or lost under certain conditions.

Deuteronomy 24:10-13 provides further instructions on the ethical treatment of borrowers: "When you lend anything to your neighbor, do not enter his house to collect security. You are to stand outside while the man you are borrowing from brings the security out to you. If he is a poor man, you must not go to sleep with the security in your possession; be sure to return it to him by sunset so that he may sleep in his own cloak and bless you. And it will be credited to you as righteousness before the LORD your God."

These verses emphasize respect for the dignity of the borrower and the importance of compassion, especially towards those in poverty. The lender is instructed to act with integrity and kindness, ensuring that the borrower's basic needs are not compromised.

New Testament Principles

In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the principles of lending and borrowing, urging believers to act with generosity and selflessness. In Matthew 5:42 , Jesus teaches, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."

This instruction encourages a spirit of generosity and willingness to help others, reflecting the love and grace that believers have received from God. The emphasis is on the heart attitude of the lender, prioritizing the well-being of others over personal gain.

Additionally, in Luke 6:34-35 , Jesus challenges His followers to lend without expecting repayment: "And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."

This radical teaching calls believers to reflect God's character by showing kindness and mercy, even to those who may not reciprocate. It underscores the transformative power of grace in the lives of those who follow Christ.

Practical Implications

The biblical teachings on loaning personal property encourage believers to approach lending with a heart of compassion, integrity, and generosity. The principles outlined in Scripture guide Christians to act justly and mercifully, ensuring that their actions reflect the love and righteousness of God. Whether in ancient times or today, these timeless truths continue to shape the ethical framework for lending and borrowing within the Christian community.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 22:10-15
If a man deliver to his neighbor an ass, or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing it:
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Library

Christian Sympathy
... live and care only for his own personal aggrandizement, and ... substance felt that it
was only loaned out to ... act to take away another man's property sooner than ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
... of Proculeianus had shouted abusive epithets at him, although upon the property
of a ... A long retained codex of Augustin, which had been loaned to Celer through ...
/.../chapter ii name analysis of.htm