Does God Love Money More Than He Loves You? Question 32.

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, asks whether God loves money more than He loves people. While rhetorical, this question underscores a problematic premise: that material wealth or spending decisions prove God’s love. Shuttlesworth uses personal anecdotes and Matthew 7:11 to justify the idea that living in material comfort aligns with God’s love and blessings.

This blog critically evaluates Shuttlesworth’s claims, corrects his misrepresentation of God’s love, and provides a biblically sound understanding of God’s provision, priorities, and love for humanity.

1. Shuttlesworth’s Question and Premise

Shuttlesworth implies that the way one lives—whether flying first-class or coach, spending more or saving money—reflects a deeper understanding of God’s love and priorities. He suggests that comfort in material choices is not contrary to God’s will, presenting this as an extension of God’s care.

Key Errors in His Premise

1. Equating Material Comfort with God’s Love:

   • Shuttlesworth ties material wealth and comfort to God’s love, which diminishes the biblical emphasis on God’s love being demonstrated through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice (John 3:16).

     
     

2. Misusing Personal Anecdotes:

   • His story of flying coach while observing others in first-class reflects personal frustration rather than theological truth. Linking God’s will to personal comfort misrepresents biblical teaching.

     
     

2. Biblical Teaching on God’s Love

God’s Love Is Proven Through Jesus, Not Wealth

1. The Sacrifice of Christ:

   • John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

     
     

     • God’s love is shown through His sacrifice of Jesus, not through material provision or financial wealth.

       
       

2. Unconditional Love:

   • Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

     
     

     • God’s love is not conditional on wealth, comfort, or spending habits.

       
       

God’s Provision Is Rooted in Care, Not Luxury

1. God Meets Our Needs:

   • Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

     
     

     • God promises to provide for our needs, but this does not guarantee material luxury.

       
       

2. Contentment in Christ:

   • Philippians 4:11-13: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances… I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

     
     

     • Paul emphasizes contentment in both abundance and need, focusing on dependence on Christ rather than material comfort.

       
       

3. Evaluating Shuttlesworth’s Claims

Claim 1: God Cares About What’s Best, Not What’s Cheapest

Shuttlesworth suggests that choosing first-class over coach reflects God’s care for one’s well-being.

Biblical Perspective

• God’s care for His people transcends material considerations. His concern is for our spiritual growth and eternal welfare, not our travel class.

• Matthew 6:33: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

  
  

  • The priority is God’s Kingdom, not material comfort.

    
    

Claim 2: “God Wants You to Arrive Healthy and Whole”

Shuttlesworth connects physical health to financial expenditure, implying that spending on comfort aligns with God’s will.

Biblical Perspective

1. Stewardship Over Wealth:

   • Believers are called to steward resources wisely. Spending decisions should reflect faithfulness to God’s purposes, not self-indulgence.

   • 1 Corinthians 4:2 “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”

     
     

2. Physical Health in Context:

   • God cares for our physical well-being, but this is secondary to spiritual health and alignment with His will (1 Timothy 4:8).

     
     

Claim 3: God’s Love Allows for Personal Choice in Spending

Shuttlesworth argues that one’s choices in how to spend money, including flying first-class, reflect personal freedom in God’s love.

Biblical Perspective

• While personal freedom is a gift, it is not without responsibility. Christians are called to use their resources in ways that honor God and advance His Kingdom.

• Romans 14:12:

  “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”

  
  

4. A Theological Perspective on Wealth and God’s Love

God’s Love Is Unchanging and Universal

God’s love is not measured by material wealth or comfort but is demonstrated through His grace, salvation, and faithfulness.

Wealth as a Tool, Not a Measure of Love

• Wealth and comfort are gifts that should be used for God’s glory and the benefit of others, not as evidence of God’s favor.

• Luke 16:10: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”

  
  

The Danger of Associating Wealth with God’s Love

• Prosperity theology risks equating financial success with divine approval, which can mislead believers and distort the gospel’s focus.

  
  

Conclusion: Does God Love Money More Than He Loves You?

No, God’s love for humanity is demonstrated through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, not through financial wealth or material comfort. While God provides for His people and cares for their well-being, the focus of His love is on spiritual transformation, eternal salvation, and alignment with His will.

Shuttlesworth’s argument oversimplifies and misrepresents the biblical narrative, conflating personal comfort with God’s care. A balanced theology recognizes that God’s love is constant, His provision sufficient, and His priority always His Kingdom and our relationship with Him.

Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨

(PhD Student)