Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #22 — Family Stewardship

Picture: Counsel #22 — Family Stewardship CR 227.1

Money rarely breaks a marriage because of how much is earned, but often because of how that money is handled. The tension isn’t just in numbers - it’s in unmet expectations and ineffective communication. When money becomes a power dynamic instead of a shared mission, God isn’t leading the way. CR 227.2

Financial unity is about more than who pays the light bill. In reality, the focus should be on the stewardship principle. When you get paid, where does your money go? One spouse may be frugal and the other more spontaneous, but that doesn’t mean the marriage is doomed! What’s important is the foundation, which should be centered on mutual respect, communication, and prayerful planning. Talk about what matters most: Will we tithe consistently? How do we save with eternity in mind? What are our long-term goals for giving and for our children? Scripture calls us to honor the Lord with our “first fruits,” meaning God comes first, not our desires. That includes tithing and offerings but also surrendering our need to control the outcome. Financial pressure is real, but so is God’s provision.^[238] CR 227.3

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” Proverbs 3:9 NIV CR 227.4

“Shun the incurring of debt as you would shun leprosy.” Ellen White in Counsels on Stewardship, p. 272 CR 227.5

Reflect: Are you and your spouse managing the family finances as partners in faith?Top of Form CR 227.6

Bottom of Form CR 227.7