Financial Fidelity in Marriage

Text References: "Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:2)

Written by Minister Ivu Boniface

Money = common source of marital tension

Financial fidelity = honesty, trust, and stewardship

Goal: Strengthen unity and growth in Christian marriages

Biblical Foundation

God owns all (Psalm 24:1)

Faithfulness in little (Luke 16:10–12)

Honesty in money matters (2 Corinthians 8:21)

Unity is essential (Amos 3:3)

What financial infidelity looks like

Hidden income or debt

Secret spending/lending

Mixing business and family funds

Refusal to discuss money

Building a Money Covenant

Full disclosure of income & debts

Joint consent on major spending

Regular “money meetings”

Shared record-keeping

Budgeting (Salaried Workers)

Plan monthly income & expenses

Automate giving, saving, bills

Review monthly with spouse

Budgeting (Petty Traders / Self-Employed)

Pay yourself a fixed “salary”

Separate business and home funds

Use envelopes for spending categories

Save during good seasons for lean times

Money Priorities

1. Honor God (Proverbs 3:9)

2. Essentials (food, rent, school fees)

3. Savings/Emergency fund (Proverbs 21:20)

4. Debts (Proverbs 22:7)

5. Lifestyle wants

Debt & Emergencies

Debt enslaves (Proverbs 22:7)

Avoid consumption loans

Agree on repayment plans

Build emergency fund: start with 1 month

Extended Family & Boundaries

Include benevolence in budget

Agree on limits as a couple

Major support = joint consent

“Do all things decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40)

Restoring Trust After Breaches

Confess honestly

Disclose all details

Create repayment plan

Accountability with time & consistency

Conclusion:

Financial fidelity = honesty + planning + unity + prayer

“Unless the Lord builds the house…” (Psalm 127:1)

Call to Action:

1. Hold first money meeting this week

2. Draft a budget that fits your income

3. Pray together for wisdom (James 1:5)