Redeeming Our Financial Failures

In Romans 2:4, Paul writes, “Do you not know that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” What a powerful reminder that even when we fail, especially when we fail, God’s grace invites us back. He doesn’t lead with condemnation, but with compassion.

That truth has everything to do with our financial lives.

Yes, God Cares About Money

It’s easy to think God isn’t concerned with something as “earthly” as money. But Scripture tells a different story. There are over 2,300 verses dealing with money and possessions. Why? Because how we handle money reveals what we value, trust, and believe about God.

And just like any other area of our lives, when we fall short financially, whether through poor choices or sinful patterns, we’re invited to bring those failures to the Lord in repentance.

Grace for Financial Failures

When we confess our financial sins, we don’t encounter a cold, condemning judge. We meet a loving Father, ready to forgive and restore. No financial mistake is too big for the Cross. Christ paid for every one of them.

Take Zacchaeus, for example. The chief tax collector of Jericho was known for financial exploitation. But after one encounter with Jesus in Luke 19, everything changed. His repentance was visible: He gave half his possessions to the poor and repaid those he had wronged four times over. Jesus didn’t demand this—grace compelled it. Zacchaeus didn’t earn salvation by generosity; his giving revealed a heart transformed by it.

We’re invited to that same transformation.

Financial Sins Worth Repenting Of

You might be wondering, What financial sins should I bring before the Lord? Here are a few worth reflecting on:

1. Forgetting God Owns It All

We are stewards, not owners. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us that God gives us the ability to produce wealth. When we forget that, we risk idolizing what we’ve earned instead of worshiping the One who provides.

2. Dishonesty in Financial Dealings

Cutting corners, misrepresenting the truth, or taking advantage of others damages our witness. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 8:21, “We aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.”

3. Withholding Generosity

Proverbs 11:24 warns that stinginess can actually lead to lack. A lack of generosity can reveal misplaced trust in wealth instead of God.

4. Neglecting Diligent Work

Work isn’t a punishment—it’s a calling. Proverbs 14:23 says, “In all toil there is profit.” Laziness, or lack of engagement with our work, hinders our ability to live out God’s purposes.

5. Living Beyond Our Means

Chronic overspending leads to stress and debt. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The borrower is slave to the lender.” Contentment honors God’s provision.

6. Coveting Others’ Wealth

Envy skews our perspective and sows discontentment. Exodus 20:17 calls us to guard our hearts from coveting what others have.

Repentance That Leads to Restoration

If any of these hit close to home, remember this: conviction is not the same as condemnation. The goal of repentance is restoration, not shame. God is not asking for perfection—He’s asking for surrender.

When we confess, He forgives. And in His kindness, He leads us into new patterns of faithfulness marked by integrity, generosity, and wisdom.

So wherever you are today—whether gathered with family, enjoying the day off, or reflecting quietly—take a moment to consider how God’s kindness might be calling you back in your financial life.

Ask Him to search your heart. Repent of anything that’s not aligned with His will. And trust that He will meet you with mercy and guide you forward in grace. Because when we place even our financial story in His hands, it becomes a testimony of His faithfulness.

And that, friend, is true freedom.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I want to know how to invest my Roth IRA funds. I have a large account with a private custodian in a checkbook LLC, and right now it’s just sitting in a bank account, which is shrinking because of inflation. I just want to keep up with inflation.
   
• I’m 70 years old and want to invest $30,000 wisely. After financial challenges, I want to create a safety net for my family and 15 grandkids. I don’t know much about investing and need advice on what to do with my money.

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Schwab Intelligent Portfolios | Betterment
• Sound Mind Investing (SMI)
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.