Christian Good Work, Debt of Gratitude, and Public Duty

Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, stated that the only debt that Christians should have for each other is the debt of love (i.e., to love one another).*

But if Filipino customs, such as the debt of gratitude (i.e., utang na loob), contradict this apostolic dictum, which one shall overrule the other? Christ himself stated that in pursuit of spreading the Good News, he or she should not expect anything in return,** but simply take joy in that he or she did good, as all Christians ought to do. Nonetheless, Christ also stated that if one is demanded to repay a debt, then one must repay it in full, not sparing a single penny until it is fully paid.***

When such things happen, a good deed becomes a debt and our Father in heaven will not consider it good work anymore. If the Lord allows me to remember the fundamentals of the Inspired Word during Bible study, I would say that good works are deeds that are done (1) in secret, (2) not as something in return, (3) out of the abundance of our hearts, and (4) with the purpose of pleasing Him alone, not for our own gain.

Hence, if someone has done a good deed for a Christian, the Christian ought to be thankful; if the one who had done a good deed asks something in return, then it must be repaid, no questions asked, at the cost of such good deed unfortunately becoming a debt, and in Filipino terms, may turn into a debt of gratitude.

But what about all kinds of money-lenders that ask not for monetary payment but demand political favors or ask in repayment to commit illegal acts? No doubt, it is not only in our capacity as law-abiding citizens but it is also our Christian duty to resist such acts of craftiness and immorality. I suggest going public and shame those that practice such despicableness.

If I may suggest in the name of shrewdness+ which Christ clearly encouraged, hide a listening device, perhaps a cell phone voice recorder, in order to obtain credible evidence of such act being committed (which is especially useful if such person decides to employ a lying tongue). It must be pointed out that we ought not to be scared of people not approaching us because of such listening devices; only persons who desire and actually employ despicable acts should be afraid and stay away from you, which is all the better.

After all, there is no need to prove that persons of integrity will deny that which they have said. In fact, they will blanlantly expose themselves to the dreaded consequences, if only to remain humanly truthful. I deny anyone that claims they have integrity if they do not have the courage to admit that they make mistakes, and more so, to actually make a specific confession of being wrong in the aftermath of taking a particular action.

And so I ask again. Which one do you hold most precious? Corrupted Filipino traditions or the Living Word? Should I remind Christians who practice "debt of gratitude" of Christ's exhortation about the "clean and unclean?" i.e., that traditions should not infringe upon the commandments of God? ++ By what right do you stand upright as a Christian after committing such despicable acts?

Nonetheless, debt of gratitude is not a custom that needs to be totally abolished. For I admit in some instances, tumanaw ng utang na loob has an element of reciprocity i.e., justice.

What needs to be abolished is the abuse of its use and its spilling over in areas of life which it ought not to be in or to exist, and in particular, where public duty is concerned.

* - Romans 13:8-14 (NIV)

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law."

** - Matthew 10:8 (CEV)

"You received without paying, now give without being paid."

*** - Matthew 5:26 (NIV)

"I promise you that you will not get out until you have paid the last cent you owe."

+ - Matthew 10:16 (NIV)

"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."

++ - Matthew 15 (NIV)

"Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?"