What do I do about someone not paying back the money I loaned?
Question:
Good day, Minister,
I hope you are healthy and thriving, and I want to thank you and the church for the work you are doing. I have an issue that's bothering me and my conscience. I lent some money to a colleague, and she promised to pay me on a particular day. When the time came, she brought the money but pleaded with me to allow her to keep it until the following week. I allowed her. When it was time, I asked her for the money, and she said she would pay me soon. I waited another week, and she still said she would pay soon.
It's been close to a month now, and she hasn't said anything to me. I feel bad. I feel stupid. I need the money, but then I remembered where Jesus said to go the extra mile, and it got me thinking. Does Jesus expect me to let go of this money? Would it be sinful not to let go and ask again?
Answer:
"If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount" (Luke 6:34).
Only money that you can live without should be lent to another. The fact that someone needs money already tells you that they are a risk. Thus, loaning money to a person who isn't currently managing their finances well carries the risk of not being repaid. Loan because you want to help. If it is repaid, great! If it is not repaid, well, it wasn't money critical in your own life.
You can ask if she forgot to repay you (I doubt it). However, it is best to move on in your life.
Response:
Thanks a lot, Minister, for your prompt response. I have learned something important from your lesson. I reminded her, and she said she hasn't forgotten and that she would pay soon. I have made up my mind: if she pays, fine; if she doesn't, I won't bother again.
