Stewards of Grace

11-4-2010

Stewards of Grace by Boyd Bailey


“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you.” Ephesians 3:1-2

Stewards of God’s grace have an unlimited resource to manage on behalf of their master Jesus Christ. Like Paul and Stephen—when full of grace—we are in a better position to allocate its riches. God gives grace to His children so that they can dispense grace to needy hearts. Jew or Gentile, believer or unbeliever, agitator or encourager: all are in need of God’s matchless grace.

“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8). Indeed, the grace of God is evidence for the works of God.

Grace stewards give grace, especially to those who are the most different: diverse cultures, races, religions, opinions and giftedness are great candidates for grace. How do you handle someone who challenges your ideas? Do you listen with grace or react with a proud defense? Grace is slow to speak, quick to listen and responds in the Spirit’s power. Mercy withholds punishment; grace does the same and extends favor. It’s proactive.

“Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace” (2 Corinthians 1:12).

So we ask, what is our capacity for Christ’s grace? The larger our grace quotient, the more gracious we become. Like knowledge expands the mind and food the stomach, so grace enlarges our soul’s capacity for the Lord. The more He has of us, the more we want of Him. Faithful stewards of God’s grace use its influence in service to others.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).

It’s out of the overflow of grace-based living that we are able to seek out and serve the ungracious on behalf of Jesus. The grace of God goes where no man can go. A hurting friend—it heals their heart. An angry parent—it softens their heart. A distant boss—it warms their heart. Grace extended never disappoints. It melts fear—calms concerns and receives back sinners. Steward well the grace of God and watch Him work wonders.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen” (Revelation 22:21).

Do I prayerfully steward God’s grace toward all people? Am I a gracious Jesus follower?

Related Readings: Romans 5:15; 2 Corinthians 6:1; Philippians 1:7; Colossians 1:3-7