The Bible does not directly address the modern concept of child support, since this is a legal obligation established by modern governments. However, the Bible has a lot to say about caring for one’s family and meeting one’s obligations. Overall, the principles and teachings of Scripture suggest that Christians should take their child support obligations seriously and make every effort to meet them.
Some key biblical principles that relate to the idea of child support include:
1. Caring for one’s family
The Bible is clear that part of living righteously involves providing for the needs of one’s household. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Parents have a fundamental duty to meet the basic needs of their children. While the specifics may vary by time and culture, the principle remains.
In modern societies where child support is legislated, part of a parent’s duty to care for their children may reasonably include meeting child support obligations. Even if a father does not live with his children, he still has a biblical duty to see that their needs are met.
2. Keeping one’s word
Whenever someone makes a commitment or enters into an agreement, the Bible urges them to honor that commitment. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 warns, “When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.”
Once child support payments are mandated by the court, the paying parent has essentially made a “vow” before authorities to provide that support. Going back on their word by refusing to pay would be unwise and dishonorable.
3. Obeying governing authorities
The Bible encourages Christians to obey the laws and dictates of human governments, so long as these do not directly contradict God’s commands. Romans 13:1 says “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
Since child support laws are established by governing powers that derive their authority from God, Christians should make an effort to obey them. Trying to get out of paying child support through illegal means would clearly violate this biblical principle.
4. Avoiding disputes and lawsuits
Scripture advises believers to live peacefully with others and avoid unnecessary disputes and lawsuits. 1 Corinthians 6:7-8 warns, “To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers!”
While there are times when lawsuits are unavoidable or even mandated by law, in general Christians should aim to resolve issues through mediation rather than court judgments. Paying child support regularly and in full is one way to avoid legal battles over delinquent payments.
5. Being responsible with money
Bible teaches that all human resources, including wealth and money, are ultimately gifts from God that should be used wisely and generously. Proverbs 3:9 instructs, “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” Wasting money through irresponsible choices is unwise.
For a parent obligated to pay child support, this means budgeting appropriately so that the needs of one’s children can be provided for first. Being reckless or extravagant with money should not come at the expense of one’s duty to one’s family.
6. Avoiding idleness
The Bible praises diligent work and warns against slothfulness and laziness. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says plainly, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” Parents who have trouble making child support payments because they are not working or seeking employment are not living according to biblical principles.
Unemployment or dire financial circumstances may understandably limit one’s ability to pay at times. But in general, Christians have a duty to work hard and provide for their families rather than be idle and dependent on others.
7. Being generous with forgiveness
While parents have an obligation to support their children, there may be times when circumstances make this genuinely difficult or impossible. In such cases, the aggrieved parent may want to heed biblical teachings on forgiveness and grace.
Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Just as God graciously forgives human failings, people can aim to generously forgive each other’s shortcomings.
That said, the Bible calls us to uphold justice even as we practice grace. So child support obligations should not simply be dismissed, but approached in a spirit of patience and understanding.
Overall, the Bible does not directly address modern child support laws, but looking at its principles provides some guidance. Parents have a duty to care for their children’s needs. Christians should keep their commitments, obey government authorities, avoid unnecessary disputes, work diligently, and be wise with money—all principles that point to the importance of meeting child support obligations. But the Bible also teaches grace and forgiveness which allow for understanding when someone genuinely cannot pay.
The details of specific child support cases depend on many factors and should be resolved thoughtfully by courts, mediators, and believers seeking biblical wisdom. But in general, Scripture upholds the value of personal responsibility, caring provision for one’s family, and keeping one’s word.
Some other biblical principles and passages that provide perspective on the idea of child support obligations include:
Love for children
The Bible speaks extensively of God’s love and tenderness for children. Jesus himself said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Parents’ love for their children should motivate them to provide for their children’s wellbeing.
Generosity over greed
Scripture warns against loving money too much. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (1 Timothy 6:10). When disputes over child support turn into selfish arguments over money, parents must check their own hearts and remember to put their children’s needs first.
Leaving inheritance for children
The Bible contains instructions about inheritance laws and leaving an inheritance for one’s family (e.g. Proverbs 13:22). While not directly applicable, this principle does suggest it is wise to provide for one’s children’s futures.
Caring for widows and orphans
God instructs his people to watch out for those who are vulnerable, such as widows and orphans. “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction…” (James 1:27). Caring for one’s own children should be a priority.
Divorce and remarriage
Biblical principles for divorce and remarriage involve caring for all members involved (see 1 Corinthians 7). Child support helps ensure former spouses and children are provided for.
Lending to the needy
Lending money to help the needy is portrayed as noble in Scripture (see Proverbs 19:17). If a child is genuinely in need, providing child support is like lending to them.
Avoiding discrimination
The Bible discourages favoritism or discrimination in applying justice (see Leviticus 19:15). Child support laws should be applied impartially to all parents alike.
God’s fatherhood
Christians see God as their perfect heavenly Father. Earthly fathers should therefore follow His example of love, provision, discipline, and care.
Overall, the Bible provides many principles that encourage parents to generously care for their children’s needs. While the specifics of modern child support law are not directly addressed, the importance of providing for one’s family and keeping one’s commitments is a common biblical theme. Christians seeking to honor God in family relationships would do well to make meeting child support obligations a priority whenever possible.