Biblical Stewardship Principles
The Stewardship Principle
Stewardship is the recognition that God owns all that we possess.  It is an acknowledgment that He provides the resources for our life, and through us, the resources for His work and for His church.  We are managers and overseers of what He has provided for our life.  We are accountable for all that He  has placed into our life, not just for a portion, but all of what He has given to each of us.  Our giving must always be an act of love and gratitude.

 

The Voluntary Principle
Paul stated the voluntary principle when he said, "For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have (II Corinthians 8:12.)"  Again he said, "For a man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give.  Not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver (II Corinthians 9:7.)"

No one should determine the amount of another's commitment.  Each person and household is challenged to seek God's will in determining a personal giving commitment.

 

The Sacrificial Principle
In the Old Testament, people came to worship with a sacrifice in hand.  The word "sacrifice" can be defined as "to set apart," or "to make holy."  Sacrificial giving is the act of making sacred or setting apart our financial resources for God.  Jesus chose, as models for giving, those who gave sacrificially.  The widow who gave two mites (Mark 12:41-44) and the woman who gave her alabaster box of perfume (Matthew 6:6-13) are prime examples.

The scriptures make clear that God measures the gift not in relationship to others, but in relationship to one's resources and in what is left over after the gift.  Jesus said, to whom much is given, much shall be required (Luke 12:48)

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