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When we talk about money in marriage, we know it can be uncomfortable. It’s one of the top reasons couples fight, yet it’s often also one of the most avoided conversations. But Scripture is clear—how we view money, time, and resources deeply affects our faith and our marriage.
Early in our marriage, we had to learn a hard but beautiful truth: everything we have belongs to God. Our money, our time, our home, our gifts—none of it is truly ours. We are simply stewards.
Learning Joy Through Sacrifice
In early motherhood when Jennifer was overwhelmed by anxiety, a friend quietly showed up with cupcakes, a handwritten note, and Scripture:
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” — Deuteronomy 31:8
That small act—made with time, money, and love—felt enormous. It was God reminding her, “I see you. You are not alone.” That moment helped to shape how we understand giving: true generosity communicates worth.
God’s Economy Is Different
The world’s economy teaches us to hold tightly—to protect, save, hoard, and worry. God’s economy invites us to open our hands and trust Him completely.
Scripture reminds us:
- “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice… which is your spiritual worship.” — Romans 12:1–2
- “For the joy that was set before Him, [Jesus] endured the cross.” — Hebrews 12:2
Giving—whether money, time, or energy—should feel like joy, not fear. When done with the right heart, sacrifice doesn’t drain us; it frees us.
Our Journey With Money and Trust
We’ve experienced every financial season imaginable—being completely broke, deeply in debt, and later experiencing abundance. What changed everything wasn’t how much we had, but how we trusted God with it.
When the Holy Spirit prompted us to start giving while trying to get out of debt, it felt counterintuitive. But God invited us to trust Him:
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… and see if I will not open the windows of heaven.” — Malachi 3:10
This is not the prosperity gospel—it was a heart shift. God didn’t just provide financially; He taught us perseverance, unity, creativity, and faith. That season even began what would later become our ministry.
What This Means for Your Marriage
Scripture speaks often about generosity for a reason:
- “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer.” — Proverbs 11:24–25
- “Whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” — 2 Corinthians 9:6–8
Money reveals trust. When couples talk about finances, pray together, and steward God’s gifts with open hands, unity grows.
A marriage after God is one where husband and wife encourage one another to view money through a biblical lens, trusting God—not possessions—for security.
Ask yourselves in your own marriage:
- How do we see our money, time, and resources?
- Are our hands open or clenched?
- How can we bless someone this week—together?
True joy is found when we align our marriage with God’s economy, trusting Him with everything He has already given us.
Episode Summary
Episode Focus
Understanding God’s economy—how He calls married couples to steward money, time, and resources with open hands, trust, and joy—and how this perspective brings unity, peace, and spiritual growth in marriage.
1. What Is God’s Economy?
God’s economy is not limited to money
It includes:
Time
Resources
Possessions
Gifts and talents
Everything belongs to God; we are stewards, not owners
A biblical view of economy shifts our heart posture from fear to trust
Key Scripture
Romans 12:1–2 — Living as a living sacrifice
2. A Personal Story of Sacrificial Love
Jennifer shares a vulnerable season of postpartum anxiety
A friend blesses her with:
A handwritten note
A small gift
Scripture encouragement (Deuteronomy 31:8)
This simple act powerfully communicated love, worth, and God’s presence
Sacrifice of time, money, and energy reflects Christ’s love
Key Theme
Generosity says, “You are worth it.”
3. Joy Is Found in Sacrifice
Jesus is our ultimate example of joyful sacrifice
Giving to God should produce joy—not resentment or fear
Sacrifice done with the right heart leads to freedom and spiritual fulfillment
Key Scripture
Hebrews 12:1–3 — Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him
4. Why Money Matters in Marriage
Money is one of the most common sources of marital conflict
Studies show:
Money is a leading cause of arguments and divorce
Couples who regularly talk about money report stronger marriages
Avoiding financial conversations increases fear, anxiety, and division
Key Takeaway
Unity grows when couples communicate openly about finances
5. Learning to Trust God With Finances
Aaron and Jennifer share their journey:
Seasons of extreme lack and abundance
Debt, mission work, and entrepreneurship
God challenged them to give before getting out of debt
Giving became an act of trust, not excess
Key Scripture
Malachi 3:10 — Testing God through faithful giving
6. Giving Is About the Heart, Not Prosperity
Biblical generosity is not prosperity gospel
God’s promise is provision, sufficiency, and freedom—not guaranteed wealth
God uses generosity to:
Refine hearts
Build trust
Strengthen marriages
Advance His kingdom
Key Scriptures
Proverbs 11:24–25
2 Corinthians 9:6–8
Proverbs 19:17
7. Open Hands vs. Closed Hands
Holding tightly to possessions leads to stress and control
Open hands allow God to:
Use what we have
Bless others
Remove fear and greed
Even small acts of generosity matter
Illustrations
The woman anointing Jesus’ feet
Sharing household items with others in need
8. God’s Economy Builds Unity in Marriage
Stewardship is a shared responsibility
Couples grow closer when they:
Pray about finances together
Set goals together
Encourage one another spiritually
Trusting God together strengthens intimacy and alignment
9. Practical Reflection Questions
What can we do today to move toward financial freedom?
What does it mean for us to be a living sacrifice?
Where might God be asking us to loosen our grip?
How can we bless someone this week with what we have?
10. Episode Challenge
Bless another person through a joyful act of generosity
Pray together about finances
Ask God how He wants you to steward your money, time, and resources
Commit to open hands and a trusting heart