DOGE Is Cutting America's Philanthropic Work: How Christians Should Think About Generosity and National Debt

America has long been a generous nation, funding humanitarian efforts at home and abroad. Yet, with national debt soaring and concerns about economic sustainability mounting, the government is making significant budget cuts—including reductions in philanthropic work. As Christians, how should we think about these issues? How do we balance generosity with fiscal responsibility? And perhaps most importantly, where does the Church fit into this conversation?

The answer isn’t found in partisan politics but in a biblical worldview. Scripture offers wisdom on debt, stewardship, and generosity that should guide how we think about our nation’s financial choices.

Debt: A Biblical Burden

Proverbs 22:7 warns, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” This is not a prescription for how things should be, but rather a description of the way things really are.  For good or bad, people with money always have more influence, and an indebted people are always at the mercy of those whole own that debt.  While national economies operate differently than personal finances, the principle remains—debt limits freedom and places future generations in a vulnerable position. America is at a crippling place in regards to how indebted we are.  A nation drowning in debt cannot sustain its commitments indefinitely. Ignoring fiscal responsibility today means placing an unsustainable burden on our children and grandchildren.  Practically speaking, none of us want to throw our linage under the proverbial bus of the lender. 

At the same time, we are called to be generous. Proverbs 19:17 reminds us, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” This creates tension: we want to help those in need, but we also recognize that reckless spending is not wise.

Stewardship Over Waste

Jesus emphasized counting the cost before undertaking a project. “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:28). Many government programs, though well-intentioned, suffer from inefficiency and mismanagement. Pouring money into broken systems without accountability does not honor biblical stewardship.

Rather than viewing budget cuts as a heartless move, Christians should see them as an opportunity to ensure resources are used effectively. Fiscal discipline does not mean abandoning the poor—it means ensuring that help is sustainable and wisely managed.

The Johnson family had always been generous, giving freely to local charities, supporting missionaries, and helping friends in financial need. However, over the years, their own debt had grown. Credit card bills, car payments, and an expensive mortgage began to weigh them down.

One evening, they sat down at the kitchen table with their budget. "We want to keep giving, but we also have to be responsible," Mr. Johnson said, pointing at their rising debt. "If we don’t make changes now, we won’t be able to help anyone in the future."

Together, they made tough choices. They cut out unnecessary subscriptions, started cooking at home more often, and downsized their vacation plans. It was difficult, but within a year, they saw real progress. Their debt was decreasing, and because of their wiser financial management, they could still give—now more intentionally and sustainably.

Like the Johnson family, our nation must also count the cost. Budget cuts aren’t about being unkind; they’re about ensuring that resources are used wisely so future generosity remains possible.

Whose Responsibility Is It?

One of the greatest missteps in modern thinking is the assumption that the government should be the primary provider of aid. Scripture paints a different picture. The responsibility to care for the poor, widows, and orphans primarily falls on the Church and individual believers. James 1:27 declares, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction.” This verse is a clear call for Christians to take personal and communal responsibility for those in need, rather than outsourcing compassion to bureaucratic systems.

The early Church took this responsibility seriously. Acts 4:34-35 describes how believers shared their resources, ensuring no one was in need. This was not a government program—it was the body of Christ in action. This communal support was rooted in love, obedience to God, and a deep sense of responsibility for one another. The Church functioned as the primary safety net, offering practical assistance and spiritual encouragement to those in need.

Beyond the early Church, throughout history, Christian communities have been at the forefront of philanthropy. From hospitals to orphanages, from food banks to missionary efforts, the Church has led the way in serving the vulnerable. However, as governments have expanded their role in social welfare, many Christians have stepped back, assuming that taxes and federal aid relieve them of their duty to give. This shift has not only lessened the personal impact of charity but has also led to inefficiencies and depersonalized care.

Christians Must Step Up

If the government reduces its funding for philanthropic efforts, Christians should not see this as a crisis but as a call to action. Instead of lamenting budget cuts, we should ask ourselves: Are we personally giving to the work of the Kingdom? Are we supporting churches and organizations that care for the poor, feed the hungry, and provide for the needy?

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This means our generosity should be voluntary, joyful, and directed toward efforts that align with biblical values. Giving should not be viewed as a burdensome duty but as an opportunity to participate in God's work on earth. True Christian generosity is marked by intentionality and personal sacrifice, not by obligation to a system that may not always steward resources well.

Rather than looking to Washington to solve the world’s problems, we should look to our local churches, ministries, and trusted organizations to be the hands and feet of Jesus. This requires a mindset shift: we must move from being passive donors to active participants in God’s mission. Volunteering time, providing financial support, and forming relationships with those in need are tangible ways to fulfill our calling.

Additionally, churches must take a more proactive role in organizing and mobilizing their members to meet community needs. Whether through food pantries, job training programs, or crisis intervention services, local congregations can provide targeted assistance that government programs often fail to deliver effectively. By embracing our God-given responsibility, we not only honor Scripture but also restore the relational and redemptive aspect of charity that can transform lives.

A Balanced Perspective

Should the government spend wisely and cut unnecessary debt? Yes. Should we still be a generous nation? Also yes. The key is remembering that from a Biblical Worldview the government was never meant to be the primary means of charity—the Church was.

If America is to remain a compassionate nation while avoiding financial collapse, Christians must lead the way in generosity. As budget cuts continue, let us not grumble but rather take up the responsibility that was always ours to bear. If we truly want to see the needs of the world met, we must be willing to be the ones who meet them.

So let’s be generous—not just with our words, but with our wallets. Let’s give—not because we have to, but because it is our privilege to do so. And let’s trust in God’s provision as we steward His resources wisely.

Conclusion

America is at a crossroads, facing tough financial decisions. But as Christians, our response should not be fear or frustration—it should be action. Fiscal responsibility and generosity are not at odds; they are complementary biblical values. As the government makes difficult choices, we must rise to the occasion, ensuring that the work of caring for the needy does not stop. It simply shifts back to where it belongs—the Church and its people.

Now is the time for Christians to embrace personal responsibility for philanthropy, give generously, and live out the biblical mandate to care for those in need. Let’s not wait for Washington. Let’s be the solution.