Several years ago, a story circulated that captured the attention of the nation. A billionaire philanthropist stood before a graduating class at Morehouse College and announced that he would personally pay off all of their student loan debt. Hundreds of graduates were suddenly released from millions of dollars in financial obligation.
As reactions poured in, many of the students described the moment with words like “liberation,” “disbelief,” and “overwhelming gratitude.” One statement stood out above the rest. The donor encouraged the graduates, essentially saying, “Go out into the world. Do what makes your heart sing. Don’t worry about your debt.”
Don’t worry about your debt. What an incredible statement.
That story resurfaced in my heart recently, not because of its financial magnitude, but because of the spiritual truth it mirrors so clearly.
The Debt We All Carry
Most people reading this likely carry some form of financial debt—student loans, medical bills, mortgages, or credit cards. The weight of owing can be exhausting and paralyzing. It shapes decisions, limits freedom, and steals peace.
But as heavy as financial debt may be, there is a far greater burden that humanity carries: The debt of sin.
Financial debt is stressful.
Sin debt is deadly.
No amount of money, effort, or good works can cancel it. And yet, this is where the gospel becomes the most astonishing news of all.
Which Freedom Do I Celebrate Most?
As I reflected on that story, a question confronted my heart: Which would I be more excited about right now—someone paying off all my financial debt, or Jesus forgiving my sins?
If I’m honest, the thought of financial freedom stirs immediate joy, the relief of having every bill erased would feel miraculous. No mortgage? Yes, please.
But that honest moment also led me to an altar of remembrance. Because as wonderful as financial freedom would be, nothing compares to the freedom of salvation. There is no temporary blessing can rival an eternal one. I never want to celebrate momentary relief more than everlasting redemption.
The Debt Jesus Cancelled
Colossians 2:13–14 declares, “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross.”
Jesus didn’t write a check or outsource the cost; He paid with His life.
Never Forget
I never want to forget what He did for me, or lose my awe over salvation or grow casual about grace. I never want to forget the moment when the weight of sin lifted off my soul as I was baptized in the name of Jesus. That freedom changed everything. Lord, more than anything in this world—I desire You.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for eternal freedom. Your Word promises that You are our Provider, and we trust You for our daily needs. But above all else, thank You for canceling the debt of sin, it is something we could never pay ourselves. Teach us to rejoice more in salvation than in temporary blessing, and to live every day in gratitude for the cross. Bless every reader today according to their needs, because You see, You know, and You hear every prayer. We trust You, Lord, and we are forever grateful for everlasting life. In Jesus name, Amen.
