Fine.

{noun}

1. a sum of money imposed as a penalty for an offense or dereliction: a parking fine.

My account at our local library was frozen due to overdue fines. The total was hefty and I was embarrassed. Often, I would log on and review my account and each time I would {sigh} and secretly wish the penalties had been “forgiven.”

It is possible for debts to be forgiven. Currently there are two federal student debt forgiveness programs. In these programs, enrolled students pay their outstanding debt for a set period of time, and after the set time expires, the debt is “forgiven”–payments cease.

There is also credit card debt forgiveness. Individuals negotiate their debt with companies and settle on a smaller amount to be paid. But, there’s a catch here…*the U.S. Internal Revenue Service considers forgiven or canceled debt as income. Let that steep in your spirit for a moment.

Walking into the library this week, I was wrestling with what to do. I knew the amount I owed would keep us from checking out any materials…and I had an 8-year-old eager to find the best super heroes books on the shelf! After a few minutes, I walked up to the counter and confessed I needed to pay a huge fine. Mrs. Librarian didn’t even blink at my confession. She accepted my payment, canceled my debt and cleared my account. Delinquency erased.

This embarrassing moment got me thinking about the sin debt I owed. My rebellion, selfishness, and unforgiveness left me with a huge deficit with no means of payment. But God…{I love that phrase}…had another plan for my debt. In heaven’s debt forgiveness, Jesus, God’s son, paid for the sins of the world–a cancellation of our debt–as he hung on the cross. If anyone chooses to accept this payment gift, it’s also considered income! A deposit is given to us–the Holy Spirit–if we believe and accept.

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

Ephesians 1:13-14

The joy of this canceled debt is mine…and it’s available for you, too. This is more than fine with me! Don’t miss the opportunity to share in the joy of the Lord, the freedom that comes with the gift of our canceled debt–this debt forgiveness program does not require any payment from you–only surrender!  Are you willing?

{{*http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/forgiven-debt-1099C-income-tax-351}}