The Gracious Steward | Resources
Memory Verse
“In every way I’ve shown you that it is necessary to help the weak by laboring like this and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:34–36 (CSB)
Discussion/Reflection Questions
1) How can we cultivate the kind of joyful generosity that Paul describes, even when we face financial or personal challenges?
2) What does it mean to “excel” in giving, and how can we apply this in our personal lives and communal lives?
3) How does reflecting on Christ’s sacrificial example inspire & shape our approach to giving?
4) What attitudes/beliefs help us give cheerfully rather than reluctantly or under compulsion?
5) How can our sacrificial giving lead others to experience or recognize God’s goodness? How can you do that this week?
Supplemental Scripture Reading
“A wise son responds to his father’s discipline, but a mocker doesn’t listen to rebuke. From the fruit of his mouth, a person will enjoy good things, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence. The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. The slacker craves, yet has nothing, but the diligent is fully satisfied. The righteous hate lying, but the wicked bring disgust and shame. Better the poor person who lives with integrity than the rich one who distorts right and wrong. A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons humiliates his father. Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest collects it for one who is kind to the poor. Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law— even his prayer is detestable. The one who leads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good. A rich person is wise in his own eyes, but a poor one who has discernment sees through him. When the righteous triumph, there is great rejoicing, but when the wicked come to power, people hide. The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. Happy is the one who is always reverent, but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble. A wicked ruler over a helpless people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear. A leader who lacks understanding is very oppressive, but one who hates dishonest profit prolongs his life. Someone burdened by bloodguilt will be a fugitive until death. Let no one help him. The one who lives with integrity will be helped, but one who distorts right and wrong will suddenly fall. The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. A faithful person will have many blessings, but one in a hurry to get rich will not go unpunished. It is not good to show partiality— yet even a courageous person may sin for a piece of bread. A greedy one is in a hurry for wealth; he doesn’t know that poverty will come to him. One who rebukes a person will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue. The one who robs his father or mother and says, “That’s no sin,” is a companion to a person who destroys. A greedy person stirs up conflict, but whoever trusts in the Lord will prosper.” Proverbs 13:1–5; 6–25