2. Our Debt to God, to Nature and to Our Forbearers, Which We Repay by Helping Others

World Scripture

All human bodies are things lent by God. With what thought are you using them?
Ofudesaki 3.41 (Tenrikyo)

When a man is born, whoever he may be, there is born simultaneously a debt to the gods, to the sages, to the ancestors, and to men. When he performs sacrifice it is the debt to the gods which is concerned. It is on their behalf, therefore, that he is taking action when he sacrifices or makes an oblation. And when he recites the Vedas it is the debt to the sages which is concerned. It is on their behalf, therefore, that he is taking action, for it is said of one who has recited the Vedas that he is the guardian of the treasure store of the sages. And when he desires offspring, it is the debt to the ancestors which is concerned. It is on their behalf, therefore, that he is taking action, so that their offspring may continue, without interruption. And when he entertains guests, it is the debt to man which is concerned. It is on their behalf, therefore, that he is taking action if he entertains guests and gives them food and drink. The man who does all these things has performed a true work; he has obtained all, conquered all.
Satapatha Brahmana 1.7.2.1-5 (Hinduism)

The kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, the lord ordered him to be sold, and his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, “Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, “Pay what you owe.” So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you.” He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?” And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt.
Matthew 18.23-34

Teachings of Sun Myung Moon

Where did your life come from originally? From your parents, who invested themselves in you, and from nature, which gave you the food to make your flesh, blood and bones. If you were to repay everything that they have lent you, you would have nothing left. Furthermore, you are indebted to God who originally gave you life. What, then, do you have left? God, your parents and nature invested themselves in you; therefore, you are a chunk of indebtedness. Have you paid these debts? Are you even trying to pay them? At least, a debtor can be thankful. Your creditors are not asking you to pay your debt. In fact they are not even claiming that you owe them. How thankful you ought to be!
Jesus told a parable about a cruel servant. His lord had generously forgiven him a debt he could not pay, but he turned around and threw a man into jail who was indebted to him. On hearing of it, his lord spoke angrily to him for being so cruel after he himself had received mercy.¹¹ We have nothing that is inherently ours. God gave us life unconditionally, without requiring us to sign any contract or pay interest on his loan or repay the principal within a fixed number of years. The only way we can repay Him and show our gratitude is by giving to others.
(93:193, May 29, 1977)

The attitude of a believer must always be that of a debtor. Have you paid your debts? If you have no worldly debts, why not incur some debts as a form of training? You should experience the hardships of being in debt. It is truly miserable. If you owe even a penny, your creditor can grab you by the lapels and treat you like dirt. In the same way, since you owe a debt to God, it is not proper for you to assert yourself.
(43:108, April 25, 1971)

God must be so exhausted, coping with the billions of fallen people in the world. How tired must God be as He strives to fulfill His Will! So if you pray, “Heavenly Father, don’t worry. I will do it!” even if it is just words, God would approve. When you pray in such a way, God says, “Wow! That person is a great guy. He has a future.”
(93:22, May 8, 1977)

What can you pay in return for receiving the grace of God? You have to say, “I will pay for it with my filial love.”
(Way of God’s Will)

We may be anxious,
we may be lonely,
our situation may be miserable,
but when we recall that Thou, O Father, art even more miserable than we,
we understand that we must become sacrifices
and comfort Thee, our pitiful Father.
(25:38, September 28, 1969)