Everything we have comes from God. “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). Our life, health, time, talents, money and the land we live on are gifts He has placed in our care. A steward manages what belongs to someone else, and “it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
We honour God by returning a tithe, a tenth of our income, to support the work of the gospel, and by giving offerings as He has blessed us. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse… and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven” (Malachi 3:10). Jesus spoke of tithing as something we “ought… to have done” (Matthew 23:23).
Stewardship is more than money. We are stewards of our time, our bodies, our gifts and the earth, which God gave us “to dress it and to keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Giving is not a way to buy God’s blessing. It is a joyful thank-you, “for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). As David prayed, “all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee” (1 Chronicles 29:14).
Key Bible verses
- Psalm 24:1The earth is the LORD’S.
- Genesis 2:15To dress it and to keep it.
- Malachi 3:8-10Bring all the tithes into the storehouse.
- Matthew 23:23These ought ye to have done.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2Stewards must be found faithful.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-7God loveth a cheerful giver.
- 1 Chronicles 29:14Of thine own have we given thee.
Tap a reference to read it in the Bible.
Think about it
- Which is hardest for you to give to God: time, talents or money? Why?
- Malachi 3:10 invites us to “prove” God. Have you seen Him keep that promise?
- How can you care for the part of God’s earth that is around you?
