Is a “debt of gratitude” biblical?

Question:

Dear Minister,

In our country, there has been a recent conversation on social media regarding the concept of "Utang na Loob" - translated into English as "Debt of Gratitude or Goodwill."

What place does this virtue or moral have in the life of a Christian, or what are its ethical implications? What could be the scriptural basis for it, if there is any? I would love to hear your thoughts on this, as this is a heavily debated issue due to its cultural significance in our society.

To further understand its cultural and social ties, here is a recent in-depth study, "Reassessing the Ethics of Utang na Loob," from which I hope you will draw conclusions and insights.

A huge thanks, brother!

Answer:

I'm glad you provided that article link since the terms can have significantly different meanings in other cultures.

"Utang na loob, sometimes translated as “debt of gratitude,” refers to a widely recognized Filipino cultural value in which one is obliged to reciprocate a significant assistance received in times of great need."

While it sounds good on the surface, it becomes the basis of unethical behavior.

"It is also said to be one of the root causes of wrongdoing and social evil. Having a sense of it is said to incline people to evil deeds, such as condoning unethical behaviors and practices, participating in collective wrongdoings, and supporting corrupt officials. Furthermore, it makes people vulnerable to the manipulation of ill-intentioned individuals, such as forcing them to give in to morally compromising demands."

In other words, corrupt individuals look for opportunities to create an obligation and then demand that it be repaid in morally wrong ways.

Christians are expected to do good without any expectation of repayment. "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men" (Luke 6:35). Where a "debt of gratitude" creates a societal pressure to repay, Christian are told to do good quietly, thus removing knowledge of who had performed the good deed. "But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:3-4). The lack of knowledge hinders feelings of obligation to repay or being pressured into repaying by others. For Christians, doing good is what God asks of us. We do good because it is right. There is no consideration of what we might get out of the situation.

This doesn't mean returning kindness in response to another's kindness is wrong. What is wrong is the expectation that it is required or must be of similar value.