In a ghastly incident, six people were found dead by suicide in a car, and beside it was Praveen Mittal, who said he would die in five minutes. Praveen, his elderly parents, wife, two daughters, and one son, were declared dead, as they had consumed poison and died in a suicide pact, because of huge debts. They were returning from a religious program. (NDTV 27 May 2025)
Hopelessness: Religions cannot give hope to people in despair like this. Most people think it is their fate, punished for past sins. Instead of taking responsibility for their decisions and life, most people blame the position of stars, the ill luck of family members, others, systems, the government, sorceries, conspiracies, and even many gods. Suicide is self-murder, which is a violation of the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 20:13) However, the gospel offers hope.
Miraculous supply: In the place called Zarephath was a widow and a son. They had just one meal left, which they decided to eat and die. God sent Elijah, who commanded the widow to provide food first for him, and God did a miracle so that flour and oil would not run empty until the famine was over. (I Kings 17:8-16) The widow was non-Jewish as she lived beyond the borders of Israel in Sidon. Another widow who had to pay the debt of her husband appealed to Elisha, who prayed, and there was a miraculous supply of oil that she could sell and pay off her debts. (II Kings 4:1-7)
Merciful intervention: The Lord Jesus Christ taught the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. (Matthew 18:23-35) The amount the servant owed the king was about sixty million rupees (6 crore), but the king was merciful enough to forgive him, though he did not extend that kindness to his fellow servant. God could grant favour so that the debts are forgiven.
Year of Jubilee: God’s Law provides an opportunity for all to be relieved of debt and start again. But sinful humanity does not follow that.
Do I have wisdom from God not to be trapped in debt?