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Should I Tithe While Getting Out of Debt?

If you are drowning in debt, should you still be tithing to your local church?

On the surface, the financial argument seems straightforward: every dollar going toward debt is a dollar that could be used more efficiently to eliminate interest. Many financial advisors would suggest pausing giving, aggressively paying off debt, and then resuming generosity later.

From a purely mathematical standpoint, that approach makes sense.

But the Christian life is not shaped by math alone.

Giving is not merely about dollars and cents. Instead, it is about worship, obedience, and what God forms in us through generosity. And that is where this conversation becomes more complex.

Even within Christian financial teaching, there is deep disagreement on this question: should you tithe while getting out of debt?

This episode explores the tension between financial wisdom and biblical obedience.

 

The Case for Pausing Tithing to Get Out of Debt Faster

A common argument goes like this:

If I stop tithing temporarily, I can eliminate debt faster, save money on interest, and reach financial freedom sooner. Once I’m debt-free, I can give even more.

This perspective emphasizes efficiency and long-term capacity for generosity.

But there is a hidden assumption underneath it: that obedience to God can be paused in order to achieve a better financial outcome.

The question becomes not only what saves the most money, but what shapes the heart most faithfully in the process.

 

Giving Should Not Be Suspended in Hard Seasons

Scripture gives multiple reasons for generosity:

  • We give because of God’s grace toward us
  • We give because we are called to obedience
  • We give to declare that God (not money) is our master
  • We give to break the power of materialism in our lives

None of these motivations are suspended during debt repayment.

In fact, financial pressure is often exactly when the discipline of generosity matters most.

Stopping giving may improve short-term numbers, but it can weaken long-term spiritual formation.

The danger is subtle: we begin to believe that obedience is optional when life feels tight.

 

Biblical Principles About Debt and Stewardship

Scripture speaks clearly about debt and financial responsibility:

“The borrower is slave to the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7

Debt carries weight. It limits freedom and requires diligence.

“Let no debt remain outstanding…” – Romans 13:8

While this passage is not directly about tithing, it emphasizes the importance of honoring financial obligations promptly and faithfully.

Biblically, debt repayment matters. But it does not automatically cancel the call to generosity.

 

What If I Truly Can’t Afford to Tithe?

This is where wisdom and compassion are essential.

Scripture does present rare and extreme examples of radical giving, such as the widow who gave two small coins. Jesus commends her faith, not because she gave a large amount, but because she gave sacrificially from what she had.

However, this is not presented as a universal financial formula.

There is also the example of the rich young ruler, where Jesus gives a specific command to a specific individual. It is not a general economic principle for all believers.

The key distinction is this: Scripture shows both radical generosity and practical stewardship, but not reckless financial self-destruction.

God can act outside normal financial patterns, but those moments are exceptional, not normative.

 

A More Helpful Diagnosis: Income or Expense Problem?

When someone says, “I can’t tithe because of debt,” it is worth asking deeper questions:

Is this primarily an income problem or an expense problem?

  • Could income be increased through additional work or opportunities?
  • Are there unnecessary or excessive expenses that could be reduced?
  • Are there financial habits that need realignment?

Many financial struggles are often a combination of both income and lifestyle decisions.

Before removing generosity, it is worth examining the full financial picture honestly.

 

Prayer and Provision in Financial Pressure

Jesus teaches us to pray:

“Give us this day our daily bread.” — Matthew 6:11

Dependence on God is practical.

In seasons of financial strain, prayer is not a last resort. It is part of financial stewardship itself.

We ask God not only for provision, but also for wisdom in how to manage what He has already provided.

 

The Priority of Faithful Generosity

A guiding principle in this conversation is simple:

Give according to what you have, not according to what you wish you had.

If giving is reduced only because of debt pressure, we risk reshaping generosity into something conditional rather than covenantal.

At the same time, wisdom matters. The goal is faithful stewardship that seeks to honor God in both repayment and generosity.

 

Closing Reflection

So what should you do while getting out of debt?

Ask a deeper question than just the financial one:

Is your desire to stop giving while getting out of debt motivated by your hatred of interest or your love for God?

Debt repayment is important. But so is forming a life marked by consistent generosity.

The invitation of Scripture is not to choose between wisdom and obedience, but to let obedience shape how we pursue wisdom.

And ultimately, we trust this promise:

“Give, and it will be given to you…” – Luke 6:38

God’s provision is not limited by your financial margin. The question is whether your stewardship reflects trust in Him, even in seasons of constraint.

 

 

Next Steps

 

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