Biblical Encouragement For Those Who are “Broke”
Money tight? Behind on bills? Here’s some biblical encouragement to comfort you.
First, I absolutely refuse to join the legalist who tells you the solution is to tithe. Tithing is NOT the solution. That teaching is not true and it’s not biblical. In fact, it’s not even smart if you are financially in trouble. God is not asking you to give what you don’t have. And He’s not thinking you don’t trust Him if you can afford to tithe. It’s just not biblical teaching.
Now, what that out of the way.
What I want to do is encourage you and give you comfort with the truth. Don’t let money consume you. I know, it’s scary when we are not able to meet financial demands. It’s normal to be afraid, and you’re not wrong for having those emotions. In fact, you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t.
God’s heart is that you learn to depend on Him in any and all circumstances (good or bad). His heart is that you know that He is with you and He will NOT turn his face from you. He will NEVER… EVER desert you. And while sin is AWFUL and we SHOULD avoid it like the plague, God is also not leaving you if you are struggling at the moment. Never means never. Period. God is not going anywhere.
If you believe that, then please hand your worries over to Him. Money has a way of putting chains on us and stealing our peace. Don’t be afraid. Depend on the creator of all things. Jesus.
Here are Your Verses:
[Hebrews 13:5-6] Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” so that we confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?”
[Philippians 4:11-13] Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Praying for all of you who are struggling financially. May you depend on God’s kindness and trust in His goodness.
Related: What The Bible Really Teaches About Tithing
Author: Mike Cynar
Mike Cynar was raised in a church setting where he frequently noticed that many attendees would eventually drift away. The church labeled these individuals as ‘back sliders’ or ‘fake Christians’ just looking for ‘fire insurance’. However, Mike realized the issue was rarely with these individuals but instead with the church’s message itself. The teachings heavily emphasized behavior improvement and one’s flaws, with only a fleeting mention of one’s identity in Christ. It felt as though every sermon was tailored to the church of Corinth, who as we know or committing sins that even unbelievers don’t partake in. This trend was noticeable not just in one denomination, but across Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal, and many other churches. Upon understanding the true essence of the gospel – that our righteousness comes from Jesus’ actions, not our own – Mike was inspired to liberate believers from lifeless sermons and reconnect them with the genuine teachings of Jesus. He believes that one can nurture a vibrant and growing bond with Jesus, unhindered by rigid religious practices. And thus, “Jesus Without Religion” was born.
It turns out that it is grace that leads to repentance. And if our heart is to get others to walk in the Spirit and live a godly life, then the best approach is not a beat down sermon, but rather to remind other that it is only when we understand our true identity in Christ that we will live it out. Yes, it’s true, if you’re convinced that God thinks you’re a dirty sinner, you will ultimately continue a lifestyle that mirrors that view, but if you truly believe that even on your worst day, you are called holy, sanctified, justified, and will be presented blameless in the end, well, it turns out this is the secret to living out on the outside what has been worked in to the inside.