Blending A Family 40 day DevotionalSample

Building Financial Unity

Some of the biggest challenges in marriage are over a husband’s opinions where to spend money vs. a wife’s opinions. 

You may be familiar with, “The Five Love Languages” by Dr. Gary Chapman which describes how each person feels loved. God also created people with different “money languages”. Money means different things to different people with different motivations toward the use of money, such as, saving for security, or being a blessing to others, having fun,  success and prestige, or freedom from being in debt. 

Paige is motivated to give to help people, and I am motivated to save for retirement. These were conflicting goals until we discussed and developed a plan to meet both goals. Listening, understanding, and honoring your spouse’s motivations will create fulfillment and unity. 

Blended families can face financial challenges including court expenses, child support, handling child support properly, a need for a larger home, school tuition, family vacations, hiring sitters for date nights, and so on.

Some couples choose to keep their finances separate due to disagreements or lack of trust.  As mentioned before, “unity” is so important, and it comes when each spouse gives all aspects of their life into the relationship. Whatever spouses withhold from their marriage can breed contention.

In the Bible, Jesus spoke often about sowing and reaping. A farmer only reaps based on seeds he has planted. When we follow God’s model of sowing (giving), He is faithful to bring increase into our lives. Through tithing and giving we became debt free early in our marriage.

Suggestions:

Learn each other’s money languages and do not criticize them. God created everyone as a unique individual. How can you celebrate each other’s uniqueness?

We recommend Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey to help set financial goals and become debt-free. Seek out a class in your community.

Our Prayer for you:

Lord God please show this couple how they can bring honor to You in the stewardship of their income. Guide their motivations and decisions in spending and giving. Thank You for Your principle of sowing and reaping. Show this family that they “cannot out-give” You. Bless every area of their life as they follow You, in Jesus’ Name!

Copyright 2019 Moe and Paige Becnel @ Blending A Family Ministry