Think the woman caught in adultery (John 8). No, her issue was not finances, but her story illustrates the heart of God for those in recovery.
Maybe you’re in a financial mess, and you know that the mess is your own fault. Maybe you’ve had a problem with over spending, or gambling, or laziness, or whatever.
Okay. Another great opportunity for God. God loves to empower His children to overcome all kinds of issues—and let’s face it, we all have our issues. And He loves bringing His children together around that process of restoration so we understand that each of us is needy, each of us has something to offer, and God has the keys that set us free.
How do we respond to Christians in financial recovery? Passing judgment on them is not the same thing as restoring them. Pointing out their sins and shortcomings does not empower Christians in financial recovery to overcome those shortcomings. Instead, a much deeper work is needed. And usually that work means that two people grow: the person being helped and the person doing the helping.
If you’re in this situation, it takes great courage and humility to recognize you need help and to reach out for that help. Yes, some people will use this occasion to “rub your nose in it.” I’m sorry that happens. Stay the course. A better life is ahead. Get good advice, but first and foremost find God’s loving heart for you in all those hurting places in your soul. That will strengthen you and empower you to overcome.
Verses for further study: Galatians 6:1-5, John 8:1-11, 8:32, Proverbs 15:16, 2 Timothy 2:23-26
We have looked at five different ways Christians experience money.
1. The diligent Christian
2. The Christian living by faith
3. The destitute Christian
4. The prosperous Christian
5. The Christian in financial recovery
Image of person and bike adapted from a public domain image supplied by pixabay.
