Thank-you for your inquiry regarding tithing when in the midst of bankruptcy. First off, please be assured that you are not to feel guilty for not tithing at this time. As a matter of fact, the 10% tithe is not a New Testament commandment, but instead, God calls us to give what we can (like the widow's mite at the temple). Give what you can to the Lord during these circumstances.

On the other hand, I know of businessmen that have gone broke and declared bankruptcy. In the years to follow, they have paid back everything to their creditors and started anew. I do not know the circumstances surrounding your bankruptcy, but the first understanding is that it is all God's and he is in control of everything (1 Chron 29:11,12) and you need to determine how you ended up in bankruptcy and if there is any obligation to those who lent you money to begin with (you stated that there were some mistakes in the past).  Your bankruptcy frees you legally from your obligation, you have to decide if God's word frees you morally from your obligation. Money is the ONE area that God allows us to test him in (lay out a fleece) because he knows how near and dear money is to all of our hearts.

Finally, I would recommend you get enrolled in a financial education class/ministry at your local church. One I would recommend is Crown Ministries (crown.org). If your church doesn't offer it now, suggest to your leaders to bring it in. It really does a good job of relaying what the bible has to say about money, getting budget together, debt reduction plan, bankruptcy, and so on.

I trust this has given you some perspective on your situation. Please fee free to email a response back if you have further questions.

Grace,

Brian Wruk