When Tithing Feels Impossible: 3 Truths That Free You From Financial GuiltSample

When Guilt Reveals Wrong Thinking

1 John 4:18 NIV says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment."

Maybe you’ve been here.

The knot in your stomach when the offering plate passes.

The shame when you skip the "giving" sermon.

The voice whispering you're disappointing God every time you pay groceries instead of tithing.

Here's what that guilt is actually telling you:

You've been relating to God like He's your creditor, not your Father.

John's words hit different when you're financially stressed.

"There is no fear in love." Think about that.

If your relationship with God around money is dominated by fear - fear of His disapproval, fear of missing His blessing, fear of being a "bad Christian" - then something's wrong with how you understand His love.

Fear has to do with punishment. So when tithing feels impossible and guilt is eating you alive, you're operating from a punishment mindset.

You believe God is keeping score, ready to withhold blessing if you don't pay up.

But what if God never intended tithing to create financial guilt and stress?

What if generous giving was always meant to flow from trust in His faithfulness, not fear of His judgment?

The most freeing realization I ever had was this: the guilt itself is the problem, not your heart's desire to give.

A loving Father doesn't burden His children with impossible expectations. He invites them into partnership based on His proven faithfulness.

Your heavenly Father sees your grocery bill. He knows about your student loans. And He's the same God who has never failed to provide for His children who trust Him with bold, generous steps.

Tomorrow, I'll show you what Jesus actually said about religious obligation versus relationship - and why understanding His heart changes everything about how you approach giving.

Let’s pray: God, help me see You as my faithful Father, not a distant creditor. Show me what it looks like to give from trust in Your goodness rather than fear. I want to be generous - show me how to partner with You in that.

In Jesus' name, Amen.