Love Can’t Pay the Bills: Pastor Bolaji Idowu Urges the Jobless to Reconsider Dating Decisions [VIDEO]

 

Pastor Bolaji Idowu, the lead preacher at Harvesters International Christian Center (HICC), has sparked a lively conversation with his recent bold advice to young people struggling with unemployment. Delivering a message that veers sharply from conventional romantic wisdom, the pastor warned that those without jobs should steer clear of romantic entanglements altogether.

Addressing the spiritual and practical aspects of relationships during a sermon, Pastor Bolaji argued that financial instability not only narrows a person’s choices but also clouds their judgment. He stressed that people often confuse desperation for affection when they lack resources, leading to what he termed “hunger-induced love.”

His message was clear: dating while jobless could be a path to settling for less, mistaking survival instincts for genuine romantic connection.

“Don’t date when you are jobless,” Pastor Bolaji said, not mincing words. “There are some relationships that are attractive not because they are attractive, it’s because you have no money. When you have your own money, you will be surprised how you should have not fallen in love with some people.”

Using relatable metaphors, he warned against making life-altering decisions from a place of lack. “Never negotiate on a hungry stomach, you will get a bad deal,” he said, urging his congregation to think from a place of abundance, not scarcity.

The charismatic preacher didn't stop there. He criticized what he sees as a “crumbs mentality” — a mindset that causes people to accept less than they deserve simply because they are in a desperate situation. “When you are poor, small things satisfy you easily. One of the signs of crumbs mentality is that you settle for less so easily,” he said passionately.

He further challenged widely held aspirations, taking aim at those who see emigrating abroad as the ultimate life goal. “I hang around people and when I hear the things that they used to talk about – ‘if I can just travel to America’. How can traveling to America be a goal?” he questioned, suggesting a shift from external goals to internal transformation and abundance-driven thinking.

The sermon quickly sparked online reactions, with social media users expressing a mix of agreement, amusement, and critique.

One user, @drexxcater1, added a sharp counterpoint: “Don’t pay tithes when you’re jobless too or give offering 🤝”, hinting at perceived contradictions in church teachings around financial obligations and personal stability.

Another user, @_shotbytwitwi, joked, “Money na water lenu pastor 😂😂😂”, capturing the sentiment that financial power often dictates social dynamics — including romance.

Some took the advice in stride. @Akomandaniels highlighted a particularly resonant quote: “‘Where you are poor, small things satisfy you’ 🔥🔥”, applauding the depth of insight in the message.

Others, like @Lord_karmacruz, seemed a bit jaded: “Just different opinions every time,” perhaps pointing to the often conflicting advice people receive from spiritual leaders.

Meanwhile, @vado2023 responded more tongue-in-cheek, stating, “When you have a job, you can date as many as you want,” suggesting that financial independence opens up not just romantic opportunities, but options in general.

Though reactions have varied, the core message remains potent — Pastor Bolaji is urging young people to delay romantic pursuits until they have established some financial footing. In a world where many feel pressured to couple up despite economic hardship, his advice cuts against the grain, offering a practical, if controversial, approach to modern love and dating.

His sermon adds to the growing discourse around financial readiness and emotional maturity in relationships, raising important questions about how societal pressures, poverty, and expectations shape personal decisions.

Pastor Bolaji’s words may be polarizing, but they reflect a deeper concern with ensuring that love grows from a place of strength — not scarcity. Whether or not one agrees, it’s clear the conversation has only just begun.

“Don’t date when you’re jobless”

- Pastor B pic.twitter.com/eoseVgSCJa

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) May 15, 2025