As Christians, we should view our finances through the lens of stewardship, which means acknowledging that all our resources ultimately belong to God. The same applies to Christian couples: you are called to manage your finances as a couple and a family wisely and in alignment with biblical principles. So, what does this mean for your everyday financial decisions?
Key principles for managing your finances
Give a tenth of your income to the church
Tithing is a biblical command – not an optional suggestion – to give 10% of your income to the church. Tithing should be done before you pay for anything else or before any deductions go off. This practice enables you to focus on the fact that your finances ultimately originate from the Lord: by giving Him what belongs to Him, you are saying that He is your provider, and you acknowledge Him as the true source of your income. This creates a stewardship mindset, which recognises God as the ultimate owner of everything that we possess, shifting the focus from ownership to stewardship. Such a mindset, in turn, encourages wise money management and a focus on eternal investment, rather than the pursual of temporary gain.
Prioritise charitable giving
The Bible consistently emphasises generosity. Giving to those in need as a couple should be a heartfelt priority, reflecting God’s provision and your gratitude.
Avoid unnecessary debt
Psalm 37:21 warns us against accumulating debt. It is important to avoid unnecessary borrowing and excessive spending beyond your means. That can strain your relationship and peace of mind.
Practise financial transparency
Having open and honest conversations with one another about money is vital. Transparency builds trust, deepens intimacy, and prevents misunderstandings that can lead to conflict.
Pursue financial unity
A “we” mindset in finances – rather than “yours” and “mine” – promotes teamwork and shared responsibility. Combining your resources helps align goals and values, strengthening your marital bond.
Cultivate contentment
Hebrew 13:5 reminds us to be content with what we have. Focusing on your relationship with God and with each other, rather than on chasing material wealth, brings much deeper satisfaction and peace than what any earthly object or financial gains can bring.
Get advise
Wise counsel – whether from mentors, pastors, or financial advisors – can offer invaluable, objective insights into your financial situation and help you navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and unity.
How to apply these principles in practice
Give first
Set aside a portion of your income for tithing and charitable giving. Prioritising generosity aligns your heart with God’s values.
Budget together
Create a joint budget to track your income and expenses and set financial goals. Have a monthly financial meeting during which you discuss your budget, your finances of the past month, and the coming month, so that you can make any adjustments if necessary. Regular check-ins are a good way of fostering teamwork, accountability, and collaborative decision-making.
Communicate openly
Regularly talk about your financial matters, including your needs, wants, goals, and expectations – in addition to your monthly meetings. Honest, ongoing communication minimises stress and keeps you aligned. Don’t forget to talk about the fun things too: items on your bucket list, surprising each other with something special, or leisure activities.
Save and invest
Prepare for future needs and unplanned expenses by consistently saving money and making wise investments. These practices reflect faithful stewardship and long-term vision.
Seek counselling if necessary
If you’re facing financial difficulties, don’t hesitate to seek help. A financial counsellor or pastor can offer support, guidance, and biblical direction during challenging times.
Managing your finances in marriage is about more than balancing the numbers – it’s a spiritual practice that requires trust, unity, and obedience to God. By applying biblical principles, you can experience not only financial stability, but deeper connection, a shared purpose, and lasting peace.
Questions to think and talk about:
- What does financial unity look like for you in your marriage right now?
- How can you practise better stewardship with the resources God has given you?
- If you faced a financial crisis tomorrow, how confident are you in your ability to handle it together – with trust in God and each other?
Challenges for couples
1. “Budget Date Night” Challenge
Instead of dreading budgeting, make it a fun date! Grab coffee, light candles, or order pizza and create your monthly budget together. Play background worship music, use colorful pens or apps, and dream together about future goals (like saving for a trip, home upgrade, or giving to a cause you both love).
2. “No -Secret Spending” Challenge
Each of you gets a small “fun allowance” for the month (e.g., R200). The catch? You must spend it in a way that surprises and blesses your spouse. At the end of the month, reveal how you used it. It’s financial transparency and a playful way to show love.
3. “Generosity Jar” Challenge
Place a jar in your home where you both drop in spare change or little notes of things you could do to bless others. At the end of the month, pray over the jar and decide together where it should go – whether it’s helping a friend, buying groceries for someone, or supporting a ministry. Make it fun by celebrating your giving with ice cream or a picnic afterwards.