Ep. 078 - Should You Lend Money to Family or Friends? A Biblical Approach to Stewardship

What does it look like to lend money wisely to family or friends—especially as a follower of Christ? In this conversation, we explore biblical principles around generosity, financial stewardship, and loving others well in times of need.

From Matthew 25 to 2 Thessalonians 3, we reflect on the tension between compassion and wisdom, the role of the local church, and practical ways to offer help without enabling harmful patterns. Whether you're considering a loan, a gift, or simply want to walk wisely with someone in financial hardship, this episode offers real guidance and encouragement.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-78-biblical-lending

Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we’ll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro: Lending in Times of Hardship

00:18 - The Role of Generosity in the Body of Christ

01:24 - Balancing Compassion with Responsibility

02:08 - The Messiness of Financial Help

03:19 - Wisdom from Paul: “He Who Will Not Work Shall Not Eat”

04:20 - Listening to the Holy Spirit’s Guidance

05:24 - Lending vs. Giving: Holding Resources Open-Handedly

07:10 - Lending to Prevent Exploitation

09:12 - When a Gift Is More Appropriate Than a Loan

10:23 - When Giving May Not Be Loving

14:10 - The Role of the Church in Stewardship

15:55 - Put It in Writing: Reducing Misunderstanding

Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.