Money: Is it his or hers or theirs?

Happy New Year dear friends. I hope you enjoyed the holiday season and took time to relax and reflex. For those who didn't have a holiday, no worries; your time is coming.

Anyway, back to business, we start this year's post talking about money. Our dear presenters have for the last two days been basically talking about money. Should a woman have access to her husband's money? Should you pay back your spouse any money he/she lends you? And such like questions. We shall generalize.

My Human Opinion

We know it, money is a major source of friction in any relationship especially in marriages. And this is especially so if the couple have different 'money-backgrounds'. What do I mean by 'money-background'? I mean how both of you think about money, your money attitudes (and not the abundance or lack of money). These money attitudes are developed over time, and are most likely passed on from parents (like many other things).

Communication is key when it comes to money. Yet many couples don't communicate. Maybe because of fear and worry. I don't know.

Trust is also key. Marriage is a commitment to carve a new life with another person. How this be done without trust? Chances are these listeners had trust broken somewhere along the line.

My Biblical Opinion

The Bible is very clear in Genesis 2:24

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

And what is this why? The reason is in Genesis 2:23

²³ The man said,
   “This is now bone of my bones
   and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
   for she was taken out of man.”

So ideally, there is no his or hers. And I dare say there is even no ours. But it's neithers. God owns everything, even our money. We are mere stewards.

Psalms 50:10-12
¹⁰ for every animal of the forest is mine,
   and the cattle on a thousand hills.
¹¹ I know every bird in the mountains,
   and the insects in the fields are mine.
¹² If I were hungry I would not tell you,
   for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

So, you husbands and wives, don't be stingy. Provide for your family. Give freely. Give cheerfully. Harness trust. Communicate.

And you who are courting, get to know your money sense. Then know your partner's money sense. Then determine if they are compatible. 

What a fitting time to talk about money as you plan your money resolutions. Have a prosperous 2011 and come December, give thanks to God.