💸 How to Tithe While Paying Off Debt: Trusting God with Every Dollar

If you're a Christian trying to pay off debt, the thought of tithing can stir up some very real tension.

"Should I pause giving until I'm debt-free?"
"Does God really expect me to tithe when I’m behind on bills?"
"How can I be generous when I feel financially stuck?"

Friend — you’re not alone in these questions. The struggle between honoring God with your finances and climbing out of debt is real. But it’s also an opportunity for deep spiritual growth and freedom.

Let’s walk through what the Bible says, practical steps to help, and encouragement for walking this out with both wisdom and faith.

✝️ What Is Tithing — and Why Does It Matter?

Tithing is the biblical principle of giving 10% of your income to God, typically through your local church. It’s not about rules — it’s about recognizing that everything belongs to God, and we honor Him by giving back the first portion.

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

Tithing is a matter of trust. It says, “God, I believe You can do more with 90% in Your hands than I can with 100% in mine.”

🧾 But What If I’m in Debt?

The Bible encourages both giving and getting out of debt:

“The borrower is slave to the lender.” — Proverbs 22:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give… for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7

Notice how Scripture doesn’t pit one against the other. God cares about both — your heart posture and your financial wisdom.

You don’t have to choose between the two. You can tithe and pay off debt, even if it looks different for a season.

🛠️ How to Tithe While Paying Off Debt (Step-by-Step)

1. Start with Prayer — Not Pressure

Invite God into your finances. Ask for wisdom, peace, and provision. Tithing isn’t about guilt — it’s about relationship. Start here.

2. Give Something — Consistently

If you’re in a financial hole, 10% may feel impossible right now. That’s okay. Start with what you can — 2%, 5%, or even $10. What matters is the heart behind the gift and the consistency of the habit.

“If the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has...” — 2 Corinthians 8:12

3. Make Tithing Part of Your Budget

Don’t let giving be an afterthought. Include it in your actual monthly budget — even while you're allocating to debt payments.

Your budget might look like:

• 10% Giving

• 10–20% Debt Payments

• 70–80% Living Expenses & Saving

This keeps your priorities aligned even as you tackle debt.

4. Choose a Debt Payoff Strategy That Leaves Room for Giving

If you’re following a debt payoff plan (like the snowball or avalanche method), adjust the pace so you don’t eliminate giving altogether.

Example: Instead of throwing everything toward extra payments, split the margin:

• 70% of your extra cash goes toward debt

• 30% goes toward giving or generosity

This helps balance spiritual and financial goals without burning out.

5. Let Giving Fuel Your Faith

Every time you give, you remind yourself that God is your provider — not your paycheck.

Watch how even small gifts begin to shift your heart from scarcity to trust. Often, that change brings clarity, creativity, and even unexpected provision.

💬 Final Encouragement

You don’t tithe because you’ve “got it all together.” You tithe because you know God does.

Tithing while paying off debt is possible when you prioritize your relationship with God over perfection. It’s not about the percentage as much as the posture — one of gratitude, trust, and obedience.

So give as you're able. Pay off debt with diligence. And remember: God sees every step you take in faith.

Need a tool to help you balance both?
👉 Download the Free Christian Budget Planner – Includes sections for tithing, debt payoff, and monthly faith check-ins.