Tithing With Debt: Should You Tithe While Paying Off Debt?نموونە

Day 2: Giving During Hardship: Biblical Examples

The most illogical financial advice might also be the most spiritually sound: giving when you're in debt. But what does Scripture actually teach about this apparent contradiction?

Scripture is filled with counterintuitive financial principles. The widow gives her last coins and receives Jesus' highest praise. The Macedonian churches, described as experiencing "extreme poverty," somehow give "beyond their ability" and with "overflowing joy." These examples challenge our conventional financial wisdom that says, "Secure your own finances first, then give from your excess."

What's remarkable about the Macedonian believers is that they didn't just give despite their poverty; they "urgently pleaded" for the privilege of giving.

They viewed giving not as a burden during financial hardship but as an opportunity they didn't want to miss. Similarly, the widow didn't give out of obligation but out of devotion.

This reveals something significant: biblical giving isn't primarily about the money—it's about trust, priorities, and relationship with God.

And when we give during financial constraint, we're doing more than transferring funds; we're declaring, "God, I trust you more than my financial calculations."

Years ago my wife Linda and I experienced this firsthand. While working to pay off our debt, we felt God leading us not only to continue tithing but to increase our giving.

Financially, this made no sense. My spreadsheets clearly showed this would extend our debt-free journey by years. Yet after prayer, we felt a clear leading to step out in faith.

And the result was that we paid off our debt years faster than my calculations predicted. I can't explain the mathematics of it, but I witnessed the reality of God's provision following our obedience. As Proverbs 3:9-10 promises: "Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing."

This doesn't guarantee that tithing while in debt will always result in miraculous debt elimination. But throughout Scripture and in countless testimonies from our students, we see a pattern: God often provides in unexpected ways when His people give faithfully while paying off debt.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do I truly believe God can provide when I obey in giving, even when the numbers don't add up?
2. What examples have I seen in my own life of God's provision during times of financial obedience?
3. Am I giving out of joyful worship (like the Macedonians) or reluctant obligation?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the examples of faithful giving during hardship throughout Scripture. Forgive me for times I've limited my giving based on my own calculations rather than your leading. Increase my faith to trust you with both my giving and my needs. Help me to give joyfully, not reluctantly, even when facing financial challenges.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.