In a world where the narrative is often about “getting more,” where do we place our financial trust? Is it in our ability to add and subtract numbers, or in the infinite wisdom of our Creator? Today, let’s explore this vital question by examining three foundational principles of Christ-like financial management.
Giving Without Expectation of Return
Luke 6:30 (NLT): “Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back.”
It’s counterintuitive, isn’t it? Our world tells us to seize every advantage, but the Bible guides us toward a radical form of giving—one that expects nothing in return. This isn’t just a nice sentiment; it’s a foundational principle of Christian life. In Matthew 6:3-4 (NLT), Jesus tells us to give in secret, promising that the Father, who sees all, will reward us. It’s a matter of faith, and faith alone, that allows us to give freely, trusting that our Father will provide for our needs.
The Power of Forgiveness in Finances
Forgiveness is a concept that is often lost in the hustle of modern life, particularly when money is involved. If someone wrongs us financially, the impulse is to correct the injustice. But here’s the divine paradox: When we forgive, we acknowledge that all we have is God’s to begin with. The person who wrongs us has, in fact, wronged God. When we let go of our grudges, not only do we free ourselves from the burden of resentment, but we also create space for God’s blessings to flow.
The Freedom in Forgetting
The ability to forget is perhaps the hardest principle to live out, yet it’s the key to experiencing true financial peace. When we hold onto past grievances, we’re not just affecting our pocketbooks; we’re affecting our souls. The Apostle Paul tells us that love “keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:5, NLT). When we truly live this out, it revolutionizes how we view our Creator, our friends, our family, and even our finances.
The challenge of aligning our financial lives with our Christian faith is not for the faint of heart. It demands an all-in commitment to God and His principles. As we navigate the tricky waters of financial management, let’s remember to prioritize God, practice giving without expectation, forgive as we have been forgiven, and allow ourselves the freedom to forget.
Today, I challenge you to reflect on these principles. Make a commitment to not just read them but to live them out in your financial decisions. When we make God the center of our financial lives, we don’t just balance the books; we find balance in our souls.