What about child support?

Both parents have a financial responsibility for their children. But both are called to move beyond what’s “fair” or even legal to what is just and generous.

• If you have the majority of physical custody, are you expecting an amount the other parent just cannot pay?
• Are you caught up in arguments or manipulation to get what you think the children deserve?
• Do you wait month to month for the check to arrive and get angry when it’s late or doesn’t show up at all?

Check your attitude first

Then it may be time to take another look and see how you can get off the emotional money merry-go-round. The other parent’s failures aside, you may be responding in a way that is sinful and requires confession. And maybe even asking the other parent for forgiveness for your attitude.

Both parents must be financially reliable

Be honest and ask yourself these questions:

If you’re the parent ordered to pay support, are you being responsible?

Have you failed to make a realistic budget for yourself so you can help take care of the kids?

Or are you resenting having to provide for your children?

Do you refuse any extra financial help that may not be “fair” but could be a blessing to the children?

Are you behind in your support payments?

Have you deliberately withheld or made late payments? 

Take the high path

Then it may be time to take a hard look at your own failures, go have a heart-to-heart with the Lord in confession, make financial restitution the best you can, and ask the other parent for their forgiveness. Take the high path, Do the hard thing.  Live within your “new” means.

Just do it.  God will bless you abundantly in ways you don’t even know.

Drowning in debt?

References:

Bible: But first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  Matt 6:33

Catechism: The tenth commandment forbids greed and the desire to amass earthly good without limit. CCC 2536

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