6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:6-15, New International Version)
Theme: Rejoicing and Thanksgiving
Context:
Thanks to all those who shared their insights over the last three days as we considered how the discipline of Service supports a lifestyle of rejoicing and thanksgiving. Today we turn our attention to Stewardship.
As we closed out our deliberations on the discipline of Service, we saw that a counter-cultural view of greatness results in rejoicing and thanksgiving. In the case of Stewardship, a counter-cultural view of resource management also leads to rejoicing and thanksgiving. The world says receiving resources is reason for rejoicing and thanksgiving. There is nothing wrong with that line of reasoning, but the Bible says if we use our resources (not just money) for God’s kingdom, that is an even better reason for rejoicing and thanksgiving.
Bible Passage:
Our passage today is packed with great insights about stewardship including the following: God is the source of abundant supply; enriched Christians are enabled to be generous; and this generosity results in thanksgiving to God.
Please study the passage and consider the question below.
Question:
What biblical principles encourage you the most to be a good steward?
Please leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
March 23, 2023 at 5:51 am
There are many scriptures that encourages me to love my neighbor as myself and though I’ll admit I may not totally understand that verse most times I’m driven by feelings of hurt, compassion, and love when I see someone in need. Then my natural inclination is to love on that person with the resources I’m blessed with which depending on the individual case doesn’t always have to be monetary. Being able to share with others always brings me joy, and for this I Praise God.
March 23, 2023 at 6:26 am
Nice!
March 23, 2023 at 8:20 am
As Karen says many scriptures encourage us to share and give.
The one story is about the woman who gave her last penny and Jesus commented.
I, by nature even before I studied
The Word learned from my mother who always gave to those in need.
But yes the Bible contains many verses of giving of resources,time and to have compassion.
March 23, 2023 at 7:32 pm
A principle which encourages me to be a good steward is based on the parable of ‘the talents’. To properly use resources we have been given, as God has asked us to do. We are accountable to God. To be obedient in how to use the resources & God has given us for His glory, to help others & to help them to know God. Everything belongs to God, so our stewardship is important. Hoping explained with some clarity.
March 23, 2023 at 9:29 pm
Very clear Toni. Thanks!
March 23, 2023 at 9:48 pm
Jesus’ declaration that it is better to give than to receive is a very encouraging stewardship principle for me.
March 24, 2023 at 12:57 am
This scripture encourages me always;
“And do not forget to do good and share with others , for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Hebrews 13:16