Faithful Stewards

 "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

— 1 Peter 4:8-11

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

This is the second time Peter instructs believers to love one another deeply, fervently. Our love for one another overlooks small offenses. Without our deep and fervent love, every little irritation becomes a grievance. It should not be that way in the body of Christ. Because this early church met in homes, hospitality was necessary. To be hospitable means welcoming people into your home, but doing so without muttering under your breath.

The gifts God has given us coupled with His manifold grace has been given to us to serve others. These gifts don't end with us. They're given to go beyond us. Doing anything less is poor stewardship of what God has given us. If I am gifted with speaking ability, I am to do it as one who is speaking the oracles or utterances from God. There is a holy awe around speaking God's Word. If I am gifted with serving, I should do it not in my own strength, but with God's strength. I do this so that in everything I do, God gets the praise. When I am hospitable, when I speak God's Word, when I serve in God's strength, He gets the glory and the power for ever and ever.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the gifts You have given me. May I be a faithful steward of those gifts, using them to serve others and doing so in Your strength, not merely my own. May You get all the glory and honor as I serve and love others deeply today.

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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