Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Stewardship as an Overflow of Love  

Bible Reading:  2 Corinthians 8:1–15  

Key verse:  “But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge,  in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also  excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV  

DEVOTION

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul highlights the churches in Macedonia, who, despite their  extreme poverty, gave generously to support fellow believers. This giving was not  out of obligation or surplus. Rather it was an overflow of love rooted in their  devotion to Christ. They gave themselves first to the Lord, and their stewardship  flowed naturally from that relationship.  
True stewardship isn’t measured by the amount we give, but by the heart behind it.  When we are captured by God’s love, generosity becomes a joyful response rather  than a burden. Just as Christ gave Himself fully for us, our giving, which includes  our time, resources, and/or talents, reflects His sacrificial love working through us.  
We are called to “excel in this grace of giving”, not to prove ourselves, but to mirror  the heart of Jesus. Stewardship becomes an act of worship when it springs from love  rather than duty. Today, we should think whether our giving flows from gratitude  and love for God, or from a sense of obligation.  
When our hearts are aligned with Christ, stewardship is no longer about loss. It  becomes an opportunity to participate in God’s abundant grace and care for others.  
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PRAYER

Lord, teach me to give as the Macedonians did. Not out of pressure or plenty, but out  of love. Help me to see every act of stewardship as an act of worship to You. May  my generosity reflect the grace I have received in Christ. Amen.  


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Stewardship flows not from obligation, but from a heart overflowing with God’s  love.  
 

Jacob Joseph  
St. John’s Mar Thoma Church, NY 

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