Biblical Answer

Understanding the Shame of Not Being Able to Pay Bills

The shame of not being able to pay bills can be a heavy burden to carry. It's a feeling of inadequacy and failure, often accompanied by fear and anxiety about the future. This shame can be rooted in fear, as you mentioned, but it can also stem from a sense of entitlement. We often expect to have what we want, when we want it, and if we can't afford it, we feel deprived. This mindset can lead to financial struggles and debt.

Facing the Reality of Financial Struggles

It's essential to acknowledge the reality of your financial situation and take responsibility for your actions. As the Bible says, "The foolishness and corruption here, but most of the time I pay no attention. I ignore it; I hide it from myself, escaping into work, projects, family, the whole realm of the everyday." (As Pascal says, Right). We often try to avoid the problem or hide it from ourselves, but this won't solve the issue. Instead, we need to face the reality of our financial struggles and take steps to address them.

Finding Freedom in God's Forgiveness

As Christians, we know that God's forgiveness is available to us, not just for our sins, but also for our financial mistakes. When we confess our sins and seek God's forgiveness, He not only forgives our debt, but He also removes the shame and guilt associated with it. Jesus taught us to pray, "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). This prayer acknowledges our debt, but also reminds us that God's forgiveness is available to us. By seeking God's forgiveness and guidance, we can find freedom from the shame of not being able to pay bills and move forward in our financial journey. As the Bible says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). We can trust in God's forgiveness and guidance to help us navigate our financial struggles and find freedom from shame.