*Don’t Carry a Burden You Didn’t Create*
_By Archbishop Dr Charles Agyinasare
> _Proverbs 22:26–27 says, “Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?”_
Years ago, I co-signed a loan for someone out of goodwill and compassion. I wanted to help, so I agreed to stand as guarantor for the debt. Unfortunately, when the person failed to repay the loan, the responsibility fell on me, and I eventually had to pay the debt in full.
What began as an act of kindness became a financial burden I had never planned to carry.
The Bible encourages generosity, compassion, and helping those in need, but it also repeatedly warns us about becoming surety for another person’s debt. When you guarantee a loan, you are not merely offering moral support. You are accepting responsibility for the debt if the borrower fails to pay.
That experience taught me that love must be guided by wisdom, not merely by emotion.
Here are three things you must do to avoid unnecessary financial burdens:
1. *Refuse to guarantee what you cannot control*
_Proverbs 11:15 says, “He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.”
When you co-sign or guarantee another person’s debt, you may have little control over whether that person will remain financially disciplined, yet you can still become responsible for the consequences. Before attaching your name to another person’s obligation, understand exactly what you are accepting. Never commit yourself to a liability you are not prepared and able to bear.
2. *Separate compassion from financial obligation*
_Galatians 6:5 says, “For every man shall bear his own burden.”
Helping someone does not always mean assuming their financial responsibilities. Sometimes the wiser form of assistance is to give what you can afford, offer counsel, help them develop a repayment plan, or support them in finding another solution. Be generous, but do not allow compassion to make you financially irresponsible.
3. *Let wisdom overcome emotional pressure*
_Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Some financial decisions become difficult because relationships are involved. You may fear disappointing a friend, relative, colleague, or church member. But a wise “no” today may prevent resentment and financial distress tomorrow. Pray, seek counsel where necessary, understand the commitment, and never allow guilt or pressure to make a major financial decision for you.
_Precious one, not every request for help requires you to assume another person’s liability. You can be compassionate without being reckless, generous without becoming trapped, and kind without jeopardising your own responsibilities. Help people where you can, but do not casually carry a burden you did not create._
*Prayer*
_Heavenly Father, give me wisdom in every financial decision I make. Help me to be generous and compassionate without acting carelessly. Give me courage to say no when wisdom requires it, and teach me to steward faithfully the resources You have entrusted to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*Cross References*:
Proverbs 6:1–5
Romans 13:8
Luke 14:28.
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