When I started in banking in the 1980s, car loans for longer than three years were virtually nonexistent. Now seven years and beyond is common.

Since many people buy cars based on the monthly payment rather than the total price of the car, they often agree to longer loans, resulting in paying more for the car in total. This increases the dealership and lender’s profits dramatically, but it places the customer in bondage to debt even longer.

Psalm 112:5 teaches, “Good will come to those who are generous andlend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.”

Justice means caring about your customers as much as yourself. If you’re providing financing to customers, carefully consider the impact your decisions may have on your customers. Your short-term sacrifices may bring long-term good will.