“…serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace…” – 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Grace is one of God’s greatest gifts to us. It is His unmerited favour that we could never earn. But grace is not just for our own benefit; it is a trust given to us to steward well. God pours out His grace in our lives, not just so that we might enjoy it but so that we can share it, reflect it, and magnify it through serving others. Stewarding the grace of God means using the gifts, talents, and resources He has placed in our hands to bless the world around us.
Before we can steward God’s grace, we must first recognise how abundantly it has been given to us. Every believer has received grace in one form or another: spiritual gifts, talents, opportunities, wisdom, or material blessings. Sometimes, we overlook the significance of these gifts.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Reflecting on God’s saving grace reminds us that all we have is a result of His kindness – our salvation, our abilities, and the favour in our lives. It is important that we know the specific gifts of grace that God has given us – spiritual gifts, a compassionate heart, a talent, or an opportunity to serve, etc.
Stewarding grace involves using what we have been given for the benefit of others. The gifts God gives us are not to be hoarded or used for selfish purposes but rather to build up the body of Christ and extend His love to others.
In Matthew 25:14-30 we read that the master entrusted his servants with various amounts of monies. The two who used what they had received to produce more were called faithful, while the one who hid his talent was condemned for his lack of stewardship. Similarly, God expects us to invest and multiply the grace He has given us. This may look like encouraging someone with a word of kindness, serving in a ministry, or giving to those in need. We, however, need the help of the Holy Spirit to guide us in this regard.
When we serve others, we reflect the nature of Christ, who came to serve rather than be served. Let your service be marked by humility and love from a place of gratitude and joy, and serve with the right heart and motives. One of the greatest ways to steward God’s grace is by sharing the Gospel. His grace has saved us, and now we are entrusted with the mission of spreading that grace to others.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the abundant grace You have given us. Help us to be faithful stewards of this grace in all areas of our lives. Open our eyes to the opportunities to serve, love, and share the Gospel. Let our lives reflect Your goodness, and may we always be found faithful in what You have entrusted to us. Amen.
Read: Acts 20:24; Philippians 2:3-4 Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 25:21-28; Proverbs 26:1-2; 2 Timothy 2; Jeremiah 49:7-39; Jeremiah 50:1-10
