The issue of whether someone with significant debt should temporarily stop tithing in order to pay off their debt faster is a complex one with arguments on both sides. There are several key factors to consider when approaching this issue from a biblical perspective.
Principles of Stewardship and Priorities
A foundational principle is that everything we have ultimately belongs to God, and we are stewards entrusted with managing His resources (Psalm 24:1, Haggai 2:8). As stewards, we are called to be wise and faithful with what God gives us (Luke 16:10-11). This means making sure our priorities align with God’s priorities as revealed in Scripture.
The Bible clearly emphasizes caring for one’s family and paying off debt rather than accruing more. 1 Timothy 5:8 says “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Romans 13:8 says “Owe no one anything, except to love each other.” Getting out of debt should be a high priority for believers who find themselves in that situation.
Tithing is also a biblical principle, with roots in the Old Testament practice of giving a tenth of one’s income to God (Leviticus 27:30). In the New Testament, while tithing is not explicitly commanded, believers are encouraged to give generously, purposefully, regularly, and proportionally to their income (2 Corinthians 8-9).
Short-Term Solutions vs. Long-Term Faithfulness
With these principles in mind, for someone under a heavy debt burden, temporarily suspending or reducing tithing in order to get out of debt more quickly may seem reasonable. However, while that may provide short-term financial relief, it can also undermine long-term faithfulness and obedience in giving.
Giving to God first, even in small or difficult financial circumstances, demonstrates faith and trust in His provision. When debt pressures lead us to hold back part of what we owe to God, it indicates we are trusting in our own plans more than in Him. As Proverbs 3:9-10 exhorts, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
Motives and the Heart Matter
This points to the importance of examining one’s heart motives in either continuing to tithe or suspending tithing. Is the desire to get out of debt as quickly as possible driven by a desire to be free to honor God with your resources? Or is anxiety, fear, and discontentment driving it? Either choice can be made with right or wrong motives.
Sometimes when finances get tight, people are tempted to cut back giving to God first, even though budget areas like entertainment or dining out remain untouched. This reflects a heart issue that places a higher priority on those things than on honoring God. If God is first in our hearts, we will desire to put Him first in our finances also, no matter what the circumstances.
Seeking Godly Wisdom
There are no easy one-size-fits-all answers to this issue. That’s why it is crucial to pray and seek godly counsel if facing this situation. Ask God to examine your heart motives and align your priorities with His. Talk to pastors and other mature believers who can provide guidance and accountability.
Ask God for wisdom in stewarding your finances. Is there a way to thoughtfully reduce expenses in other areas in order to continue tithing and make additional payments on debt? Can the debt be consolidated or refinanced at a lower interest rate to pay it off faster? As Proverbs 2:6 promises, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Trusting God’s Provision and Lordship
Most importantly, bring the situation to God in prayer. Submit every area of finances to Him. Ask Him to increase faith and trust in His goodness and provision. God cares deeply about our needs and capacities, and He promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
As Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Keeping God first in our finances is an act of faith and worship, and posture of humility that says He is Lord of everything, including our money and possessions.
In summary, the decision about whether to temporarily stop tithing to get out of debt faster is complex. Seek to honor God with your finances in a way that demonstrates faith in His provision and lordship over your life. Approach this sensitive issue through much prayer and counsel, examining your motives and priorities. Trust God to guide you to make wise, faithful decisions that will put Him first while also honoring the biblical call to work hard, avoid debt, and care for your family.
Common Objections
Some common objections are raised against the view of continuing to tithe while paying off debt. Here is a brief response to some of them:
Objection: Paying off debt should come first before giving.
Reply: While paying off debt is very important, God still calls us to trust in His provision through tithing. Getting out of debt requires adjustments in spending, not reducing giving. We must rely on God’s grace and wisdom, not our own plans.
Objection: Tithing on my income makes it harder to meet family needs.
Reply: God promises to provide our needs as we seek His kingdom first. We honor God by obeying His call to give cheerfully, generously, and sacrificially while working diligently and reducing expenses in other areas.
Objection: I’m in too much financial hardship to tithe right now.
Reply: All we have is from God. Tithing demonstrates that God is Lord even in times of difficulty. Trust Him to sustain you as you honor Him in tithes and offerings. Seek counsel on consolidating debt or reducing expenses.
Objection: I’ll tithe again once I’m out of this debt crisis.
Reply: While that’s understandable, suspending tithing can lead to an undisciplined habit of giving. It’s best to honor God consistently in times of hardship and plenty. Let your situation drive you closer to God in dependence, faith, and obedience.
Objection: I’m overwhelmed and don’t think I can tithe right now.
Reply: God understands your situation perfectly. Cast your cares on Him! Take small steps of faith and obedience while seeking godly counsel. God will lead you to wisdom and strength for each day.
Practical Steps
If continuing to tithe during a debt repayment season, here are some practical things to consider:
- Give your tithe to your local church first as a priority.
- Aim for consistency in setting aside tithes out of each paycheck, as God enables.
- Pray and ask God to help you trust Him more through tithing obedience.
- Be willing to adjust your lifestyle and reduce expenses to tithe faithfully.
- Study Scripture on financial stewardship and generosity.
- Seek accountability from a pastor, financial mentor, or small group.
And here are some options if deciding to temporarily reduce or suspend tithing:
- Give a smaller percentage while working toward a 10% tithe again.
- Designate a time frame for reduced tithing, not an open-ended period.
- Sow into ministries beyond your church in smaller amounts as you are able.
- Be prayerful and watchful against greed or self-sufficiency creeping in.
- Determine specific debt reduction goals and work diligently toward them.
- Stay connected to your church and Christian community for support.
- Plan for how you will resume full tithing once debt is paid down.
Closing Thoughts
Walking through debt repayment while seeking to honor God with our finances can be a delicate balancing act. There is wisdom in approaching it as a season requiring heightened prayer, wise counsel, budget adjustments, and trusting God’s provision.
While tithing is important, so are making debt reduction a priority and care for family. These key principles provide a framework for making decisions in keeping with God’s heart.
By God’s grace, the stress of debt can drive us closer to Him. He is able to redeem difficult financial situations to strengthen our faith, character, giving, and dependence on Him. His promises and provision never fail when we walk in obedience and trust in Him.
