Christian Finances 101: Should I Tithe When I Owe Money with Other Debts?

Money can feel like one of the heaviest burdens to carry.

Between bills, credit card balances, and loans, many Christians quietly wrestle with the same question: “What if I owe too much money to tithe?”.

If you’ve ever felt this tension, you are not alone.

Managing Christian finances often requires wisdom, prayer, and trust in God’s Word.

Let’s walk through Christian tithing teachings, bible verses on tithing, and some practical steps for managing money faithfully — even when you are in debt.

What Is the Purpose of Tithing for Modern-Day Christians?

Before addressing debt, we need to answer the bigger question: What is the purpose of tithing for modern-day Christians? Is tithing still important for Christians today?

The short answer is: yes.

Tithing has always been about more than money.

It’s about trust, worship, and obedience.

In Malachi 3:10, one of the most well-known tithing scriptures, God says:

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

The purpose of tithing is to remind us that everything we have belongs to God.

It’s not just about supporting the church — it’s about shaping our hearts toward generosity and dependence on Him.

But What If I Owe Too Much Money to Tithe?

This is where the struggle feels real.

When you’re already stressed about your debt-to-income ratio or building a debt payoff plan, giving away 10% feels impossible.

Here’s the key truth: tithing isn’t meant to be a financial burden, but a spiritual practice.

Even a small, faithful start matters.

Remember the widow in Luke 21:1–4 who gave two small coins? Jesus honoured her heart of giving over the large sums others contributed.

Start where you are.

If you can’t give the traditional 10% yet, prayerfully consider giving consistently at a level you can, while working toward greater generosity as you pay off debt.

Bible Finances Scriptures for Encouragement

Here are some Bible finances scriptures to ground your decisions:

Proverbs 22:7

“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." – A sobering reminder of the weight of debt.

Proverbs 3:9

“Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” – Tithing is an act of worship.

Philippians 4:19

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – God’s provision is faithful.

Practical Tithing Lessons & Financial Tips

Living out Christian finances is both spiritual and practical. Here are a few steps to balance tithing with debt repayment:

1. Pray First

Begin with a tithing prayer or prayer for finances. Ask God for wisdom, provision, and courage to obey Him.

2. Track Your Spending

Many people ask how to keep track of money — the answer is simple: write it down. Use a journal, spreadsheet, or app. Awareness is the first step to change.

3. Spend Less Money

Identify areas where you can spend less money — subscriptions, eating out, or impulse buys. Even small savings can make room for both tithing and debt repayment.

4. Create a Debt Payoff Plan

List every debt, your interest rates, and your debt-to-income ratio. Choose a method (snowball or avalanche) and commit to it. Paying off debt is part of stewardship.

5. Give as You Go

Don’t wait until you’re debt-free to tithe. Give what you can now, trusting God to multiply your obedience.

Is Tithing Still Important for Christians Today?

Absolutely.

Tithing anchors our hearts in gratitude, teaches us dependence, and reminds us that money is not our master.

Even in seasons of paying off debt, generosity is a powerful testimony of faith.

A Gentle Next Step

If you are struggling with finances and faith, I want to encourage you to go deeper.

The Faithful Finances Prayer Devotional, will guide you through daily bible verses on tithing lessons, faithful stewardship and money management as a Christian, with powerful prayers for finances, reflections and action steps to start right away.

It’s designed to strengthen your faith and give you clarity as you honour God with your money. Access the Faithful Finance: 30 Days of Prayer Devotional Here.

Closing Prayer

Father, You see the weight of my finances and the fears that come with debt.

Teach me to trust You as my provider.

Give me wisdom to create a clear plan, discipline to spend less money, and courage to tithe faithfully.

Help me see my job and income as Your provision, and lead me into freedom as I walk in obedience.

Thank You that You care not only about my soul but about my daily needs.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.