As a stranger in a small town yesterday, I experienced great kindness. A quick trip to the post office to mail a package turned into a long ordeal as their technology was down. I was amazed as no one was impatient. They were understanding of the clerk. Finally, my turn came. The transaction took forever. Then, due to the equipment malfunction, the electronic reader would not read my payment. I did not have enough cash.
I was amazed when the clerk took out his own wallet and paid my bill, handing me an envelope and telling me to pay him the next time I was in town. An acquaintance from the town then vouched for me, but that was after the clerk had already paid my bill. I immediately went to a nearby store to obtain cash back to pay my debt. Yet, I was stunned by the clerk’s action.
Am I just as amazed that my God has paid a debt for me? A debt that I could never repay? Romans 6:23. He paid my debt of sin by taking my punishment for sin.
Matthew 6:9-15, “9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Do I forgive others their “debt” to me?
Later in the day, the electricity went out. Although there was much to do, life came to a stop. Instead of bustling around, my precious friends (second family) and I chatted as we sat on the porch which was still fairly light. We were not distracted by various gadgets and chores. We shared stories, worked to help those without generator access, and pondered ways to prepare supper with no electricity or water. Some of the afternoon was simply quiet. No computers, radio, tv.
The fellowship and quiet was a blessing. How many times do we need to unplug in order to spend time with God, quiet time!
Psalm 4:4, “4Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.”
Psalm 23, “1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Psalm 46:10, “10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
In Sunday School this morning, we talked about the precious time of fellowship with God each day. Our quiet times with God are special. He loves us and wants to spend time with us. Take time to unplug and spend time with Him! 
And, as you do, it will become easier to “pay others’ debts.”
