Description

In this week’s episode of the Finding God Podcast, Keana W. Mitchell explores a topic that’s often overlooked in faith spaces: the difference between healthy giving and financial abuse. Prompted by recent controversy surrounding Bishop Marvin Winans and a viral moment involving public correction over a donation amount, Keana dives into the emotional, spiritual, and financial impact of coercive giving practices.

This episode offers biblical clarity, trauma-informed insight, and practical tools to help you discern when giving is spirit-led and when it’s being weaponized.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• The biblical roots of giving in both the Old and New Testaments
• How to recognize healthy giving vs. financial manipulation
• Real-life examples of spiritual coercion and financial boundary violations
• What Scripture says about generosity, stewardship, and spiritual integrity
• Signs of financial abuse in church settings
• How to heal and set financial boundaries without guilt or fear

📖 Scripture Highlights:

• 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart…”
• Proverbs 11:25 – “A generous person will prosper…”
• Matthew 23:14 – “You devour widows’ houses…”
• Micah 3:11 – “Her priests teach for a price…”

🧠 Expert Insight:

Dr. Diane Langberg, Christian psychologist and trauma expert, writes:

“Spiritual abuse often includes financial exploitation, leaving victims emotionally depleted, physically strained, and spiritually confused.”

Keana reflects on how financial abuse distorts your view of God, damages trust in community and erodes your sense of worth.

🧘‍♀️ 5 Healing Exercises to Reclaim Your Power:

1. Financial Truth Journal – Reflect on your giving history and motivations
2. Boundary Affirmation Practice – Rebuild your confidence in saying no
3. Scripture Reframing – Replace guilt with grace through God’s Word
4. Giving Reset Ritual – Pause giving to rediscover your “why”
5. Safe Stewardship Plan – Create a budget that honors both your faith and your needs

📥 Download the full healing guide in the show notes.

🎶 Song of the Week: “Hallelujah” by Unique-ly Chosen

This week’s featured song is a powerful declaration of spiritual freedom. “Hallelujah” invites listeners to release shame, reclaim their voice, and celebrate the God who sees the heart—not the wallet. It’s a healing anthem for anyone who’s ever felt pressured, overlooked, or spiritually manipulated.

🎥 Watch the lyric video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mYa2N81wR84

 📥 Download the healing exercises PDF in the show notes:

💬 Final Reflection

Giving is sacred but it should never come from fear, shame, or pressure. You are not your tithe. You are not your bank account. You are a child of God, and your worth is not for sale.

🎧 Click the link to listen to the podcast on Spotify!!!

https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=ffde46a60bc74bef