Stewardship
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The Beatitudes and stewardship are deeply connected as the Beatitudes outline the heart and the character of a faithful steward, describing a life of humility, mercy, and righteousness that reflects God's kingdom, while stewardship is the practical, grateful management of God's gifts (time, talents, resources, creation) in alignment with these blessed attitudes, involving service and justice.
From our youth, we learned that "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven ... and the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." Today, we can take that approach to stewardship, because blessings follow those who give to help their church.
The Beatitudes were spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew, and also in the Sermon on the Plain, in Luke. They describe the character and attitudes valued in the Kingdom of Heaven and serve as a guide for living a Christian life. Key Beatitudes include blessings for the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and the peacemakers - and they are among the best-known Bible verses.
In a reversal, the Beatitudes pronounce blessings on those who are typically considered unfortunate by worldly standards, such as the poor in spirit and those who mourn. They emphasize virtues such as mercy, purity of heart, and a thirst for righteousness as qualities that lead to God's blessing.
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Stewardship PrayerO Lord, giver of life and source of freedom, I know that all I have received is from your hand. Gracious and loving God, You call us to be stewards of Your abundance, the caretakers of all you have entrusted to us. Help us to always use Your gifts wisely and teach us to share them generously. Amen.
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