Dear Editor,

It’s the Yuletide season! School is out! Many are looking forward to next week when they get an opportunity to get some well-needed days off from work to enjoy some quality time with loved ones and friends. The sunset of 2024 is definitely upon us. But how are you ending the year?

As we approach the end of another Roman calendar year and look forward to 2025, we take the time to reflect. We assess our objectives, established at various intervals throughout the year, to determine the extent to which they were met. Some people have attained great success because of their disciplined approach, while others’ goals have been affected because of money issues. In this instance, it is because they have lent substantial amounts of money to so-called trusted family members, co-workers, and friends who promised to repay them within a reasonable time, but, to date, they have not received their money.

A common ways to evaluate one’s loyalty to a friendship or relationship is by loaning money to people close to you.

The borrower pleads his or her cause when borrowing the money. They highlight how dire and urgent their situation is — appealing to the lender’s emotions — and make a commitment to repay soon, sometimes even with interest.

The lender then makes a sacrifice to support the borrower with the hope that the latter will keep his or her word. However, when it is time to repay, the borrower often ‘ghosts’ the lender. They avoid making contact; they avoid talking about the issue whenever they bump into the lender. And some even have the audacity to reach out to borrow more money. “What can go so?”

The act of borrowing and not repaying is a very dishonest practice. And there are many Christians who have been weighed in the scale and found wanting. It’s giving stealing, because what else is it?

Not repaying your debt inconveniences the lender. People have budgeted their money and have certain targets that they want to achieve. Imagine your 2024 goals not being realised because you prioritised others over yourself.

What is hurtful is seeing these borrowers enjoying life and achieving their goals — sometimes flaunting these achievements in your face — knowing fully well they owe you.

As we wrap up 2024, there are key lessons to learn:

• Borrowers need to honour their word. If you are facing difficulties with repaying on time, you should communicate the challenges. Not fulfilling your commitment means you are stalling another person’s progress.

• Lenders should prioritise themselves and stick to their objectives. Do not lend more than you are willing to lose. You may be called out for being mean and selfish, but why should you sacrifice your hard-earned money to build someone else?

May we be reflective in this season!

Oneil Madden

Maddenoniel@yahoo.com