Biblical Perspectives on Debt

Tithing while in debt requires a balance between our spiritual commitments and our financial responsibilities. Today, we’re discussing tithing while in debt, with an emphasis on how you can contribute to building His Kingdom, even when you’re facing financial challenges.

There is so much wisdom to be found in the Bible to guide us to successful Christian debt management. The Bible has a few different passages that cover debt and general finances. In 1 Timothy 6:10, Paul says “The love of money is the root of all evil.” For this reason, Jesus says Christians should not be overly concerned with money. A Biblical budget is an honest budget, which also teaches us to be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5).

These two principles— not worshiping money and being content with what we have—are excellent foundations for Christian personal finance.

The Bible teaches that a faithful Christian’s primary focus should be on God and the things of God, not money or material things. Matthew 6:33 says “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Christian debt management means being wise with our personal finances. God entrusted us with money so we can be good stewards, give it to others and further the kingdom of God. It’s important that we honor our blessings by not placing our faith in money, but storing our treasures in heaven.

Practicing Biblical Budgeting for Christian Debt Management

It is also important as Christians to be content with what we currently have. Hebrews 13:5 says “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.”

And lastly, Paul said for us to view money through a Biblical lens, he told Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 , that it was good and profitable if people put their hope in God and store up treasures in heaven that cannot be corrupted by moths or rust. He goes on to say that our worldly treasures will quickly perish and decay when compared to the imperishable riches in heaven. Also, Paul told Timothy not to be concerned for those things that would not allow him to lead a godly life and instead encourages him to trust God who gives us everything we need.

Whenever we need guidance on Christian finance and Christian debt management, we certainly do not need to look very far. 

As Christians, the Bible is our “life guide” – offering advice and instruction on everything from how we treat others to how we should try to live our lives.

But did you know that the Bible contains over 2,000 scriptures that expressly cover how we should deal with and manage money?

Today I’d like to take a look at a specific verse – Romans 13:8 which says; “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”

I find the first part of that scripture – “Owe nothing to anyone.” – particularly important.

Why? Because when we accumulate excessive debt, our focus tends to turn away from God and toward money and ourselves.

We start to think less about God and less about how we can become the men and women he desires us to be and more about how we can acquire more money.

If not careful, we can become obsessed with money to the point where it interferes with our personal relationships, our work performance and even our level of happiness.

Our lives may become filled with stress and a general sense of failure. We may lose sight of God and begin to feel all alone in the world.

That’s why it’s important to strive to “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”

So if you have accumulated excessive debt, perhaps it’s time to get out from under its heavy weight and begin to regain your life and your focus on God.

Take the first step. Speak with a Christian Debt Advisor and learn about the debt relief options that are available to you.

Remember…you can be debt free. You can have a happier and more relaxed life.