Week 1: The God Who Gives

Biblical stewardship is a practice that affirms the belief that God created all that exists and gave it to mankind to manage (Genesis 1:26-30).

Everything He created was placed within the charge of mankind. Since Creation that has not changed. This pattern has continued with God since He has made Himself known to us. On a more personal level, God has given us charge over everything that is within our personal world. Our relationships, physical health, engagements, material things, time, and money are things God has given to our charge to be stewards over. How we manage what we have determines how they develop. Understanding the source of this opportunity to manage keeps us motivated to be good stewards.

God makes us stewards!

The Bible is clear in expressing the benevolence of God. James 1:17 says :

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

How amazing it is to have a Father who gives according to His excellence. He gives perfect gifts with perfect impartiality to imperfect children. He also watches with the hopes of progression. He wants us to succeed with what He has given us, remaining with us as we learn faithfulness.

God gives us what we can manage!

1 Corinthians 10:13 says:

“There hath no temptation taken hold of you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful; He will not suffer you to be tempted beyond that which ye are able to bear, but with the temptation will also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

This scripture reveals that God, too, is a steward. He doesn’t expose us to moments where we are hopeless or without Him. He cares for us. In times of weakness He gives us grace to finish the journey (2 Corinthians 12:9).

---

Let’s pray.

Father, thank You for everything you’ve given me. My health, my family, my home, my family and friends, my resources all come from you. You are why I have what I have. Teach me Father how to rightly manage what you’ve given me. Compel me towards gratefulness, that I won’t become prideful. Thank you for grace in the moments of my life where I have misused, mismanaged, and mistreated what you’ve given me. Thank You for being patient with me. Your benevolence reminds me of Your love for me. Thank Lord, In Jesus’ Name. Amen.