Some
quotes:
B1 Arguments about money hamper many marriages. If you consider
that about a third of adults with partners report that money is a big
source of conflict in their relationships, it's no wonder that
financial problems are the leading cause of divorce. What you may not
know is that the challenges can actually start even before you say "I
do." (Source)
B2 One of the most common sources of conflict in marriage is
money, how to spend it, and how to save for things that really
matter. It doesn’t make sense when you think about it logically.
Money is simple. Keeping a budget is something an 8-year-old can do.
(Source)
B3 Finances are the leading cause of stress in a relationship,
according to a survey of people in a relationship or partnership
released Wednesday by SunTrust Bank. Some 35 percent of all
respondents experiencing relationship stress said money was the
primary cause of friction. (Annoying habits came in second, at 25
percent.) Among respondents with relationship stress aged 44 to 54,
44 percent said money was the primary cause. (Source)
B4 The number one issue couples fight about is also a topic many
couples avoid discussing — money. According to a new survey by
Ramsey Solutions, money fights are the second leading cause of
divorce, behind infidelity. Results show that both high levels of
debt and a lack of communication are major causes for the stress and
anxiety surrounding household finances. (Source)
There
is an answer
B1 Some basics
C1 All money, belongings, real estate, etc. is God’s: Psalms 24:1
GW A psalm by David. The earth and everything it contains are
the LORD'S. The world and all who live in it are his.
C2 He supplies our needs: Philippians 4:19 NIV And my God will
meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ
Jesus.
C3 We need to be content with what we have: 1 Timothy 6:6 NIV But
godliness with contentment is great gain.
C4 Covetousness is condemned: Luke 12:15 NLT Then he said,
"Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured
by how much you own.
B2 Priorities
C1 God’s kingdom, His worldview, His way of life occupy the highest
and first priority: Luke 12:29-31 NLT And don't be concerned about
what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. 30
These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world,
but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God
above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
C2 We are not to conform to the world’s covetous ways: Romans 12:2
GNB Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but
let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.
Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is
pleasing to him and is perfect.
C3 Life and body are more important than food and clothing: Luke
12:23 Williams Your life is worth more than food, and your
body more than clothes.
D1 The Greek word
for life is ψυχή psychḗ and is usually translated as soul or
mind.
D2 Believer's Bible Commentary by WILLIAM MACDONALD notes:
The emphasis of the NT is that the cause of Christ should have
first place in our lives. Food and clothing should be subordinate. We
should work hard for the supply of our current necessities, then
trust God for the future as we plunge ourselves into His service.
This is the life of faith.
When the Lord Jesus said that we should not worry about food and
clothing, He did not mean that we were to sit idly and wait for these
things to be provided. Christianity does not encourage laziness! But
He certainly did mean that in the process of earning money for the
necessities of life, we were not to let them assume undue importance.
After all, there is something more important in life than what we eat
and what we wear. We are here as ambassadors of the King, and all
considerations of personal comfort and appearance must be
subordinated to the one glorious task of making Him known.
D3 Philippians 3:8 GNB Not only those things; I reckon everything
as complete loss for the sake of what is so much more valuable, the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have thrown
everything away; I consider it all as mere garbage, so that I may
gain Christ
Some ideas
B1 Have a budget. It’s not hard.
You might want to consider Pear
Budget.
B2 Plan priorities together. Agree with each other. This is no time
to be the bully.
B3 God gets something first. Give to your local church first.
B4 Then give to the regular bills of housing, food, utilities, etc.
B5 Entertainment should be last. We can always find something
relaxing for free.
B6 We don’t have to eat the greatest and best. We don’t have to
eat out as often. Eat as a family.
B7 Ways of saving money
B8 Live minimalistically
Love each other:
B1 The acts of love: 1 Corinthians
13:4-8a WEL Love is very patient and kind; love is not
envious; love doesn’t brag about itself, is not haughty, 5 Doesn’t
behave improperly, is not self-seeking; love isn’t easily
aggravated, doesn’t keep a list of wrongs, 6 Doesn’t rejoice in
injustice, but rejoices in the truth, 7 Bears all things, believes
all things, hopes all things, calmly endures all things. 8 Love never
ends,
B2 All
our doings are to be done in love: 1
Corinthians 16:14 GNB Do all your work in love.
B3 Serving each other, yes husbands
are to do this too: Galatians 5:13 GW You were indeed
called to be free, brothers and sisters. Don't turn this freedom into
an excuse for your corrupt nature to express itself. Rather, serve
each other through love.
God
cares: Luke 12:6-7 NLT What is the price of five
sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of
them. 7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be
afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Give
thanks to God: Ephesians 5:20 NLT And give thanks for
everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
