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By. Lawrence Osifo 

THE POWER OF THE CREDITOR
By Dr. Lawrence Osifo 

Introduction
Beloved, today we are dealing with a serious spiritual truth — The Power of the Creditor.
Many people walk about freely in our society;  smiling; dressing fine, and appearing prosperous, yet they are prisoners of debt. Not just because they borrowed, but because they refused to pay back what they owe.
Borrowing is not a sin, but refusing to pay what you owe is wickedness in the sight of God.
The Bible says in Psalm 37:21, “The wicked borrowed, and pays not again: but the righteous shows mercy, and gives.”
That means any man or woman who deliberately refuses to pay a debt is not only unjust but is counted among the wicked.

1. The Cry of the Unpaid Labourers
James 5:4 declares:
“Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, cries: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.”
When a person withholds another man’s rightful due; — whether it is wages, payment, or a promised return: — the voice of that unpaid debt cries out to Heaven.
God hears the cry of every cheated labourer.
The creditor may be silent, but Heaven records and responds.
Beloved, every delayed payment is a spiritual cry in the ears of God. That is why the debtor who refuses to pay should tremble. Because God Himself becomes the Avenger of the Creditor.

2. The Rule of the Lender
Proverbs 22:7 says:
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”
This is a spiritual law. The moment you borrow; or you are owing; you automatically submit to the authority of the lender; or the creditor.
Debt is not only financial bondage; — it is spiritual servitude.
Even if the debtor appears physically richer than the creditor, in the realm of the spirit, the creditor holds the power.
That is why the one who borrows must do everything to pay back.
For every unpaid debt ties the debtor spiritually and legally under the shadow of the creditor’s claim.

3. The Case of Shylock Holmes — A Pound of Flesh
In literature, Shylock demanded a pound of flesh from his debtor who failed to repay.
Though extreme, this allegory reveals a deep truth: Debt carries a demand for justice.
When a man borrows and refuses to pay, he has traded a portion of his peace, dignity, and sometimes his destiny for temporary comfort.
The creditor may not physically demand a pound of flesh, but Heaven watches and will ensure that justice is served in due time.

4. The False Peace of the Debtor
Many debtors walk about pretending that all is well. They smile, attend church, sing in the choir, and even preach — yet their conscience knows they owe someone and have refused to pay.
Such people fake peace, but the Bible warns in Isaiah 48:22:
“There is no peace, says the LORD, unto the wicked.”
The debtor that refuses to pay is wicked. He may pretend, but his peace is borrowed and will soon expire.

5. The Consequences of Wicked Debt
Let us remember the following spiritual truths:
• The debtor that refuses to pay is in grave trouble.
He is spiritually caged by his unpaid obligation.
• He may appear richer than the creditor, but in the spirit, he is poorer.
His wealth is stained with injustice.
• He may fake peace, but eternal suffering awaits him unless he repents.
For every unpaid debt will testify before the throne of God.
• He that covers his sin shall not prosper.
(Proverbs 28:13) Until he confesses and makes restitution, his prosperity is a deception.
• Evil slays the wicked.
(Psalm 37:21) The end of the debtor who refuses to pay is always destruction.

6. The Blessing of the Righteous
But contrast this with the righteous:
Psalm 37:25 says,
“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”
The righteous man pays his debt. He shows mercy and gives freely.
He does not cheat or withhold another man’s due. That is why Heaven blesses him.
When you walk in integrity and pay your debts, you become a creditor of grace — Heaven owes you honour, favour, and divine supply.

7. The Divine Instruction
Romans 13:8 commands:
“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law.”
Beloved, love pays. Love fulfils promises. Love does not defraud.
If you truly love your neighbour, you will not delay his due.
You will not sleep peacefully while another weeps because of your deceit.
Let the love of Christ guide our dealings. If you owe anyone; — money, wages, apology, or restitution: — make it right today. For Heaven’s records are accurate.

Conclusion
Beloved, the creditor has power, not because of earthly riches, but because of divine justice.
Every unpaid debt speaks.
Every deceitful borrower stands under judgment until repentance and restitution are made.
If you are a debtor today, humble yourself, make peace, pay your debt, and God will restore your peace.
If you are a creditor, do not be bitter; — God has heard your cry, and your reward is sure. The creditor is never the loser. But the one who owes and deliberately refused to pay; is forever the cursed and the loser.

Prayer Points
1. Lord, deliver me from the bondage of debt and deceit.
2. Every unpaid debt in my life, expose it and grant me grace to make restitution.
3. Father, silence every voice of accusation crying against me in the spirit; when I have paid my debts; vows; or promises.
4. O Lord, bless the work of my hands so I will owe no man anything but love.
5. I decree: I will be a righteous giver, not a wicked debtor. I shall never be forsaken, in Jesus’ name!