The verbs “give” and “forgive” are two of the cornerstones of Christian faith and practice. But if giving and forgiving are so central to our faith, why do we find it so hard to follow God’s example? This is the central question that Miroslav Volf explores in his seminal work Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a Culture Stripped of Grace.

God works through the stuff he gives us; therefore, we are a sacramental people, coming to the sacred through the materials God has created and ordained for us.

Dustin+ Messer of All Saints Dallas talks about stewardship in the various spheres of life for the sake of God’s Kingdom.  

God gives some grain for us to have for our needs and some for us to have so we can experience the joy of giving to others. Like the mother who gives her young son a dollar to buy his sister a birthday gift, so God gives to us so we can give to others.

Out of our relationship with Jesus as redeemer and leader in gospel service, we discover the abundance of God’s gifts and the ability to share them for the advancement of his Kingdom.

God has been preparing all of us for this season. No matter what is going on with the world, we are sons and daughters of the King, called to joyfully steward his Church and call all people to his Kingdom of grace and love. And he has given us all we need to not only do this work but to thrive!

Rev. Allen Hughes discusses the Biblical Management of Finances for Clergy with Mike Blanchat, AMiA.