Grace And Your Finances

God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

2 Corinthians 9:8-9

THE BIBLE HAS A LOT TO SAY ABOUT MONEY. Christian financial counselors have done good work in articulating a biblical way to handle the resources God gives us. As faithful Christians, we should strive to be good stewards.

Yet it’s so easy to adopt a sort of legalism when it comes to the way we view others who may be in financial distress, or to feel overwhelming shame when we look at our own messed-up pocketbook. Adding to our financial stress are unforeseen circumstances such as long-term unemployment, lost investment value, and plummeting home prices. Many Christians in churches across the country feel like financial failures. They feel sidelined by their financial woes and sometimes even hopeless about ever getting out of the hole in which they find themselves.

We must understand that grace can apply to our finances as well as to any other area of discipleship. God loves those who face bankruptcy or foreclosure as much as He loves those who have their financial ducks in a row. He’ll measure the effectiveness of our lives not by how much is in the bank when we die but by how faithfully we’ve pursued and lived out His purposes for our lives. So if you’re struggling in the area of your finances, don’t give in to shame or despair. Seek God’s help.

BOTTOM LINE

God’s grace is available to help us get our finances in better shape. He is the God of second chances.

Moment of Strength: James 4:6