The Bible has a lot to say about debt as well as lending money at interest, and The Good Book isn’t too kind about either topic. In short, the Bible suggests that borrowing money and lending money at interest are to be avoided. Those are great rules to live by and the world would probably be a better place if everyone abided by them. Unfortunately, circumstances often dictate that consumers borrow money, as paying for a house or paying for a car with cash are rather hard to do in today’s economy. Most people understand this and live within their means. Others, for one reason or another, do not. Those who suffer from debt problems and who are Christians have the additional burden of having do deal with debt and, intentionally or not, living outside of the guidelines established by the Bible.

All is not lost, however, as there is a growing number of credit counseling agencies that specialize in doing business exclusively with Christians. These agencies, run by people who are themselves Christians, are there to help other Christians resolve their debt problems. Some help with debt consolidation, others help with debt management and still others offers spiritual counseling to help those who regard any debt at all as a sinful act. These agencies work within the law and try to work within the framework established in the Bible.

N one likes being in debt, and creditors recognize that anyone who is trying to solve their money problems should be respected. These agencies can often work with your creditors to waive fees, lower interest rates, and establish a repayment plan that is acceptable to all parties. Some of these organizations are for-profit; others are nonprofit entities associated with a particular church or denomination. There are enough such agencies around now that most anyone can find a Christian agency with whom they feel comfortable doing business.

Consumers with financial problems are often vulnerable to scams. Anyone who is in such a situation should be aware that not all credit counseling agencies that call themselves “Christian” are as they seem. Some are simply scam operators who are out to take advantage of people who already have problems. There are many stories about people who have lost everything to such scam operators.  Before doing business with any credit counseling agency, you should do some research and find some recommendations from other people who have done business with them. It is better to be safe than sorry.

That aside, if you are a Christian with too much debt and you feel that you could benefit from counseling or debt consolidation, do not hesitate to look up a credit counseling agency. If you would feel more comfortable doing business with an agency that specializes in doing business with Christians, rest assured that the best of them are as good at handling financial matters and helping others as any secular organization. All legitimate counseling agencies exist for one reason only - they are there to help you get out of debt.