Marriage and Money
Do you think your spouse cramps your spending style?
Years ago, a woman confided in my wife that she was tired of her husband limiting her spending. She was also tired of being treated like a child. Ann listened carefully then asked, “Have you considered the possibility that he loves you so much that he wants to protect you and save for your future together?” The thought had never entered the woman’s mind. It changed her entire perspective and opened the door for a healthy dialogue with her husband about their finances.
We enter marriage with a philosophy of money. We have to seek to unite around God’s philosophy. If money talks are stressful in your home, will you pray before you speak? It’s important to humble ourselves before the Lord if we want to speak and steward wisely. It’s possible to misinterpret a spouse’s motives. Ask God to give you words to lovingly communicate and to patiently listen. Treat each other with respect to avoid hurting feelings. We have to recognize the error that the world has taught us about finances and have our minds renewed by God’s truth. With His help, you can unite around Biblical financial principles and learn to manage money His way. If your relationship is strained or damaged, pray for a breakthrough. The Bible says in Romans 5 that when we suffer, we learn to persevere. When we persevere, our character grows so we don’t quit when we feel like quitting. We grow strong and gain hope. My desire is to see God’s people free and marriages united, strong, and thriving.
If credit card debt a source of stress in your marriage, contact Christian Credit Counselors. They’ll create a debt management plan that works for you. For more information call the Crown Helpline: 800-722-1976 or visit online at crown.org/ccc.