Money and giving
I'm in debt and worried about money. What does the Bible say?
Short answer
God cares about your worries and your bills. Bring them to Him, face the numbers, talk to someone, and take one small step at a time.
Money worries can keep you awake and make you feel ashamed. You are not alone, and debt doesn't make God love you any less. Jesus said not to worry about what you will eat or wear: your Father knows what you need. Seek His kingdom first, and take one day at a time.
The Bible is honest about debt. The borrower is servant to the lender, so debt can take away your freedom. Paul says to owe no one anything except to love one another. That is a goal to work towards, not a reason for shame. Paying back what you owe is part of following Jesus.
Don't hide it. Tell someone you trust, like your husband or wife, a parent or a mature friend at church. Write down everything you owe and everything that comes in and goes out, and make a simple budget. Free, confidential debt and budgeting help exists in many countries: search for free debt advice where you live, and avoid anyone who charges to make your debt go away fast. Don't take a new loan to pay an old one without advice. Many churches can help too.
Pray about each bill by name, then do the next small thing: one phone call, one payment plan. If money worries ever leave you feeling hopeless or unsafe, tap Urgent help at the top of the page and talk to someone today.
My verses
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.
Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.