Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received…. Whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belongs the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
~ 1 Peter 4.10-11
What Does Giving Mean for Me?
Saint Francis of Assisi prayed that “It is better to give, than to receive.” Christian giving, or Stewardship, is generosity in action. It is recognizing our responsibility to care for one another and to respond as best we can to the needs in our community.
Stewardship is living the Christian life as fully and abundantly as possible. This is done by receiving God’s gifts gratefully, cherishing and tending them in a responsible and accountable manner, sharing them in justice and love with others and returning them with increase to the Lord.
Being On God’s Team
Stewardship is the way to play an active part in bringing to fulfillment God’s plan for the salvation of the world. You can play an active part by sharing your time and talents through our ministries, programs and groups, and offering what treasure you can spare for the care of others and God’s house.
Trust
Throughout the Scriptures, God tells us: “Trust me, I will give you all you need.” Not all you want perhaps, but all you need. The steward takes God’s Word to heart, pondering on it and living it out so that worry may be replaced with peace of mind.
Joy
Time and again, individuals who have embraced stewardship give witness to a deep feeling of joy. Their love of the Lord deepens, they become more aware of the spiritual dimension of life, and they free themselves from dependency on material things. They draw closer to family and friends.
Worship
The giving to God of our time, talent and treasure is an act of worship. It recognizes that God is the provider of all the things we have received, and in gratitude we return a portion back to God to honour him and to extend the reign of his Kingdom on earth. Whether it is finances, time, talent or abilities, God is looking at the heart more than anything else. If we approach giving with a heart that hungers to serve, desires to give, and passionately want to please God, then we will honour and worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.
Salvation
Jesus promises eternal salvation to those who answer his call to discipleship. It is not enough to say, “I believe,” and go on with life in the same old way. Stewards live for God, and they will earn the final greatest reward when Jesus announces to them: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter the joy of your Master!” (Matthew 25.21).