Stewardship: Walking in Love Through Wealth, Wisdom, and Works
In the Episcopal Church, stewardship is more than a seasonal focus or a financial campaign—it’s a way of life, a spiritual practice that reflects our response to God’s abundant love. This year, as we embrace the theme Walk in Love, we are invited to explore how our wealth, wisdom, and works can bear witness to God’s grace in our lives and in the world.
Wealth: Generosity as a Reflection of Gratitude
Everything we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us to use for the flourishing of creation. Our financial resources—our wealth—are an opportunity to participate in God’s work of healing and renewal.
Walking in love calls us to approach wealth with gratitude and generosity. It challenges us to shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance, trusting that God can multiply what we give for the sake of others. Whether it’s tithing, supporting local ministries, or giving to those in need, our financial stewardship becomes an act of worship and love.
Wisdom: Offering Our Minds and Hearts
God has blessed each of us with unique talents, knowledge, and insights—gifts of wisdom that are vital to the church and the world. Walking in love means discerning how to use these gifts for the common good.
Consider how your skills and expertise can be used to further God’s mission. Are you a teacher who can guide others in faith? A strategist who can help ministries plan for the future? Or perhaps someone with a compassionate ear, ready to listen and counsel? When we share our wisdom, we help build a church that is thoughtful, discerning, and open to the Spirit’s leading.
Works: Faith in Action
Love is not just a feeling—it’s something we do. Walking in love through our works means actively serving others, embodying the love of Christ in tangible ways.
From volunteering at a food pantry to advocating for justice, our actions are a visible sign of our faith. These works are not about earning God’s favor but responding to it. As James reminds us, “Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead” (James 2:17). Our works are a way of bringing the kingdom of God closer to our neighbors.
Walking in Love Together
As a parish community, stewardship is not just about individual commitments—it’s about walking together in love, united in purpose. When we bring our wealth, wisdom, and works together, we embody the body of Christ, each member offering what they can to make the whole stronger.
This year, let’s ask ourselves:
- How can my wealth reflect my gratitude for God’s blessings?
- How can my wisdom contribute to the church’s mission?
- How can my works bring Christ’s love to life in my community?
Together, as we walk in love, we can respond to God’s call with joy, offering all that we are and all that we have to further God’s kingdom. Let us walk boldly, faithfully, and generously, knowing that we do not walk this path alone.
“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).