Using a Credit Card

The Old Testament law prohibited Israelites from charging interest (“usury”) on loans to their poor fellow countrymen. This revealed God’s heart. While our entire modern system runs on interest - credit cards, mortgages, savings accounts, bonds - God draws a line and says, “My people do not turn the needy into a profit margin.” He reminds Israel, “You were slaves in Egypt.” In other words: “You know what it is to be crushed - don’t become like the oppressors I rescued you from.” This command exposes human greed and puts God’s mercy on display. He is the Defender of the poor, the One who sees every struggling person behind the numbers and contracts. God doesn’t need interest to secure His people - He owns everything already. He’s the God who rained manna from heaven, filled a widow’s jar, and fed crowds with almost nothing. Where the world says, “Charge more so you’ll feel safe,” God says, “Trust Me and show mercy. I will be your security.” So this verse becomes a quiet but powerful act of praise: “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor… you shall not exact interest from him.” - Exodus 22:25 (ESV) It reminds us that His ways are better, kinder, and higher than the systems we build - and that He, not money, is the one truly worthy of our trust and worship.