Should I Still Be Tithing and Giving if I Am in Debt?

When debt feels like a heavy chain around your neck—credit card balances increasing, bills piling up, and maybe even collectors calling—it’s natural to question every dollar spent, even those given to God. Many believers wrestle with whether it’s wise—or even possible—to tithe while struggling financially. Yet the heart of this question isn’t just about numbers; it’s about trust, obedience, and priorities.

What does Scripture say about giving in times of hardship? And how can we honor God financially while still working toward freedom from debt? Let’s unpack this tension with grace, biblical wisdom, and practical insight.

Avoid Debt When Possible

First, I want to emphasize that debt should be avoided as much as possible.  Proverbs 22:7 tells us:

“The rich rule over the poor and the borrower is a slave to the lender”

There will be times when you may have to take on debt, but it is important to enter into it very carefully and only as a last resort. You can read further about what the Bible says about debt here.

However, if you are reading this post, you may feel that you have already gotten too far into debt, so I am not here to condemn you. The question posed here is about financial priorities.

Emergence of Tithing

The concept of tithing, giving 10% of your increase, started very early in the Bible in Genesis 14:18-20. Here, Abram (who will become Abraham) is being blessed by the king of Salem who is a priest to God Most High. Abram willingly gives him a tenth of everything after receiving the blessing from God Most High. This speaks powerfully to the heart behind the giving. Abram willingly gave the tithe because he was blessed by God.

Proverbs 3:9-10 says:

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”

This scripture verse encourages us to honor God first, not after all the bills are paid. While it does not directly speak to debt, it does emphasize the principle of putting God first, even before any other financial priority, and then trusting Him with the outcome. The second part of the verse promises “plenty.” This should not be seen as “the prosperity Gospel” as some have looked at it. Instead, the principle here is putting God first and trusting in His promise that He will take care of you.

Another example of this is Malachi 3:10 which says:

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”

This was a verse that really spoke to me a few years ago. I had several financial hardships come up from 2017-2020; large, unexpected medical bills, an unexpected funeral for a family member that had to be paid for by me, and extensive home repairs. This led to my emergency fund being drained as well as incurring five figures of debt.

In February 2020, it got to be too much when another major appliance broke down. I lamented to God asking Him why this was happening, and I felt this scripture convicting me, especially the first sentence: “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse…” I realized I was not giving the full tithe; I was tithing on my net income, not my gross. Realizing this, I made the commitment to bring the full 10% from then on. I have not had to go into debt since and have been making good progress in paying off the debt I incurred those previous years.

How Much Should I Be Tithing?

I realize that I have used verses only from the Old Testament so far. As Christians, we are not bound by the Mosaic law. Many Christians have asked if we are then required to give 10% since we are not bound by the Mosaic law. No, we are not. In fact, we can give much more than 10%.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says:

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Paul is emphasizing heart-driven generosity here, which is what we are commanded to do in the New Testament. Jesus Himself commended the widow who gave two mites (Luke 21:1-4), not because of the amount, which was much smaller than all the other offerings, but because she gave out of her poverty and gave all that she had. It was a sacrificial gift from the heart.

Attitude Towards Tithing

We should not give because we feel guilty or compelled to do it by church leadership or others. What we decide to give should be from the heart and prayerfully considered. However, keep in mind verse 6 above that tells us that we get what we sow; in other words, if you are giving generously, and doing it cheerfully, you will also reap generously. I can personally attest to this. 

After deciding to give the full tithe in 2020, I prayerfully decided to also increase my giving every year beyond the tithe. Each year, I have increased the percentage of what I am giving but have found that God has been giving me more than I can give back to Him. While increasing my giving beyond the tithe, I was also able to pay down the debt I incurred to half of the balance it was, only by God’s grace. The math does not add up when I reflect upon it now, but God’s math is not our math. He can do so much more with our little acts of faith. 

Scripture encourages both generosity and stewardship. If you are overwhelmed with debt, it may not be about choosing between giving and paying off debt; it may be about trusting God to take care of you and asking Him what you should give back to Him.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33:

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.”

If we seek His will first, and obey, He will take care of the rest.

If you need help in developing a plan to tackle your debt while also saving for the future and giving what God would want you to, please do not hesitate to contact one of our advisors who would be happy to help.

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