How to manage your money so that your family may not suffer?

Question:

I was proposed marriage by a man whom I know more than a year. Since the beginning of our friendship we laid the foundation on the Lord. Now I noticed some things about him that make me think more before I give consent. He works very much and hard and because of this we rarely see each other. He makes money, but he gives it to all those who ask, grandparents, cousins, brothers, sisters, parents, friends and acquaintances. And I do not disagree, but frankly I think there should be a measure so that he may also have something to start our family life. Currently he has nothing of his own. If he keeps on with this, I am worried that we will not have a place where to stay after our wedding. Maybe you have a Bible study from which to learn how to manage money so that we can help others but to have for us, too. What does the Bible say in this regard?

The fact that this man has such a heart ready to help and to sacrifice for others is a rarity nowadays. Precisely because he feels with others, he is always ready to help and does it. But, you’re right, there must be a measure and a wise way of managing money so that some may not suffer while helping others. So, let’s see according to the priorities whom, how much and when to give the money we earn.

1. Tithing to the Church

God wants us to be in a relationship of worship and gratitude to Him and He left a clear commandment in the Bible that says to bring before Him 10% of all income and this when it will be difficult financially and when it will be good. The money that is brought by Christians at church will be used to spread the Gospel, if it is not of a dirty gain.

2. Him that teaches you the Word of God

In the Bible we learn to take care of those who teach us the Word of God as saying:

The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him (Galatians 6:6)(NASB)

3. Those from your house and then relatives

The Apostle Paul wrote:

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8)(NASB)

In this verse God teaches us to take care of our household, or our relatives, those who are close to us, but the priority (especially) those who live together with us, for a man that means the wife and the children. He must take care of them first and fulfill their needs, but to not disregard the needs of others and seek to help them.

4. Brothers of faith and all people

God’s Word also says:

So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.  (Galatians 6:10)(NASB)

After bringing our tithes before God, after we share our goods with those who teach us from His Word, after we meet the needs of our household and help our relatives, if we have opportunity, that means if we have the financial possibility to help others, especially our brothers of faith, they have priority.

Do not be manipulated

I do not think that it refers to the case of this man, but I know many men and women who consider themselves good because they give all and never refuse, but for me they are naive and allow being manipulated by those who live unruly life, but who know to extort money from others. Do not be naive and do not give money to those doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Through the money you give them you just encourage them to continue in this bad attitude that they have.

Translated by Felicia Rotaru