Whether to tithe while in debt involves different perspectives, but many financial experts and religious teachings suggest continuing to tithe, even if small, to build faith, discipline, and prioritize generosity, while also aggressively paying down debt and seeking wise counsel to create a balanced budget. Some suggest prioritizing debt repayment temporarily, while others believe tithing first on gross income builds financial discipline and trust, with extra giving paused until debt is clear.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV). There are so many benefits to giving. Always. We encourage you to continue doing it even as you dig your way out of debt.
Dave Ramsey's debt payoff strategy centers on the Debt Snowball method, a behavioral approach focusing on paying off debts from smallest balance to largest for motivational wins, combined with strict budgeting, cutting expenses, increasing income, and eliminating new debt, all part of his broader 7 Baby Steps plan, particularly Baby Step 2. The core idea is that behavior (80%) drives finance (20%), so small wins build momentum to tackle bigger debts, rather than focusing solely on high-interest rates.
You do not pay tithing on loan payments. Even if you have the loan forgiven or have others pay on the loan. The only way you should consider paying tithing on loan payments is if you are the one receiving the payments on a loan that you have given out.
It makes no distinction between the rich and the poor people. Since the tithe is the first tenth part of an increase, every person can bring the same amount to the Lord. The tithe is a percentage, not an amount. A poor person's tithe in the eyes of God is the same as a rich person's tithe.
The first step in tithing while in debt is to take a close look at your financial situation. Begin by making a budget detailing your monthly income and expenses. Then determine how much money you can realistically contribute to tithing. Remember that tithing does not always have to be a fixed percentage of your income.
If you have unsecured debt, then you need to focus on paying that off instead of focusing on tithing or giving. Part of paying that off is making sure you behave with your spending in general. If debt is costing you less than your investments are paying, then it makes sense to make sure you are giving before investing.
The Bible is very clear that if someone goes into debt, they must be faithful to pay it. Because debts must be paid, other priorities must be put in secondary or tertiary positions. This is required, since, “The wicked borrows and does not repay, But the righteous shows mercy and gives” Psalm 37:21.
Jews living in Gentile lands were exempt (Leviticus 27:30-34). Others exempt from the tithing law included the hired hands, fishermen, miners, lumber workers, construction workers, soldiers, weavers, potters, manufacturers, merchants, government workers, and priests. In short, all who were not farmers were exempt.
Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” If you owe someone money, they'll control your life until you pay it back.
It will take effort, discipline and, perhaps, some outside help, but you can make it if you do the following:
The "777 rule" in debt collection, also known as the 7-in-7 rule, is a CFPB regulation (Regulation F) limiting calls: collectors can't call more than 7 times in 7 days for a specific debt, nor call within 7 days of a conversation about that debt. It aims to prevent harassment, applying to calls, texts, and emails, though exceptions exist, and the presumption of compliance can be rebutted by aggressive call patterns like rapid succession or highly concentrated calls.
There's no single #1 worst sin; it depends on the religious or moral framework, but pride is often called the root of all evil (Christianity/Islam), while the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (unforgivable sin) is considered the gravest in the Bible. Other severe sins include child abuse (Catholicism) and sins that "cry to Heaven" (like shedding innocent blood or oppressing the poor).
Please assist us in getting out of debt, and we particularly ask today that You help us and all who are struggling with debt to grow in perseverance in prayer. Help us to devote ourselves more fully to You each day of our lives. Give us the grace to trust You in all things.
So, yes, God wants you to serve by giving your time. But He also wants you to put your faith in Him instead of money by tithing—especially since 100% of our money is His, and He only asks us to give 10% of it back.
The three different types are as follows:
No, tithing doesn't strictly have to be money; while money is common for supporting churches, the principle of tithing involves giving a portion of your resources, which can also include your time, skills (talents), and items, reflecting faithfulness and prioritizing God over material wealth, especially in the New Testament view of generous giving. It's about a willing heart and recognizing God as provider, not just a financial transaction.
What the Bible Says About Debt. According to the Psalmist, the borrower is reckoned as wicked because of the choice not to repay the debt, not simply because he or she owed it. This Scripture does not condemn debt outright, nor label borrowers as sinful.
It's a Spiritual Principle: We Reap What We Sow (Galatians 6:7) I've discovered the best way to deal with money is to give it away. This is a key factor in helping us to maintain a biblical focus on our finances. And we need to keep on giving, especially during challenging financial times.
Six Steps on the Path to Overcoming Debt
Yes, you should still tithe while paying off debt. I know it's tempting to use that money to get ahead, but the discipline and faith that tithing brings are so worth it. “We tithed through Baby Steps 1 and 2, and God continued to bless us,” said Joshua in the Ramsey Baby Steps Community.
Evangelist Bill Graham, stood before this great crowd of Christians and told them that: "Tithing is a sin against the Gospel of grace".
Start now, and give as much as you can. If you're living paycheck to paycheck and putting all extra income towards paying off debt, try to cut other expenses and start giving. It may not be ten percent at first, but giving what you can will help you keep a grateful heart and a stewardship mindset.