The burden of debt can be difficult for any individual to overcome. Oftentimes, a strong support system is the difference between successfully reducing your debt and struggling to keep your debt from getting worse. Christian churches offer resources and tools based in Christian teachings to help people suffering from high levels of debt. The goal in helping fellow Christians with their debt problems is to lead them to a path of financial freedom where they are able to lead a life of service and giving.

Christian beliefs state that 'no one who is financially bound can be spiritually free.' A life dedicated to serving God and serving your neighbors can be difficult to achieve with the massive weight of debt on your shoulders. In addition, family roles are relationships are often strained when financial stresses dominate the worries of family members. Several scriptures in the Bible discuss the importance of getting out of debt, such as the teaching in Proverbs, 22:7 that states that 'the borrower is the servant to the lender.'

Many Christians believe that there is a scriptural and belief-based path to financial freedom that should be followed. The steps the borrower should follow include:

- Give to God First: The principle of paying tithing, or donating a portion of your income to God, has been taught since Old Testament times. Christians believe that our first commitment is to give to God, the source of everything we have.

- Resolve your Obligations: This does not necessarily mean paying off all debt. Borrowers should consider steps such as debt consolidation, debt negotiation, and undergoing financial counseling to help ease the burden of debt in their lives.

- Learn to Trust God: Basing financial decisions on what God would want instead of worldly desires will help a borrower to make better financial choices in the future. Prayer and religious study will help people to stay in tune with what's important to God.

- Seek wise counsel: Local church congregations have resources that maybe helpful to those with debt problems. From classes about financial responsibility to one on one counseling with ministers or other spiritual leaders, Christians have a built in support system that they should feel comfortable taking advantage of. Family members and close friends should also be consulted as individuals work through difficult debt problems.

A non-profit organization called Christian Debt Consolidation can be found online and is a resource specifically for Christians with serious debt problems. The organization is dedicated to helping people learn how to budget, making their income stretch farther to stop debt balances from building. They also can help people organize a debt consolidation plan to tackle debt problems systematically. The consolidation loan is actually made through Christian Debt Consolidation, a group that will continue providing advice and resources as you work through your debt problems.

The joy of getting out of debt will give borrowers the freedom to spend more of their time and energy serving God and serving their fellowman, important principles for Christians everywhere.