Qualities of Christian Steward

1. A Christian steward is compassionate.

Christian stewards are caretakers and caregivers. They concern themselves with the distribution of gifts and resources so that all might benefit (Genesis 2:4-9; Matthew 14:13-21; Matthew 25 31-46; 1 Corinthians 12:12-28; James 2:14-17).

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (1 Corinthians 12:27)

2. A Christian steward is content.

Christian stewards acknowledge that their strength comes from God through whom they can do all things regardless of how many or how few material possessions they have (Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 6:6-10).

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

3. A Christian steward is generous.

Christian stewards give whatever is needed and whenever it is needed (Proverbs 11:24-29; Mark 10-17-22; Luke 12:13-21; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Timothy 6:6-10).

They voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints. (2 Corinthians 8:3-4)

4. A Christian steward is grateful.

Christian stewards value what has been entrusted to their care and protect and preserve everything as if it were their own yet acknowledging that the earth and all that is in it belong to God (Psalm 24; Psalm 92:1-4; Luke 16:19-31; Philippians 4:6).

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,

to sing praises to your name,

O Most High;

to declare your steadfast love in the morning,

and your faithfulness by night.

(Psalm 92:1-2)

5. A Christian steward is loving.

Christian stewards know that the Lord requires justice and kindness and humility, and they follow the two greatest commandments (Deuteronomy 6:4-0; Micah 6:6-8; Mark 12:28-34; Luke 10:29-37; Luke 11:42; 1 Corinthians 13:3; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Peter 4:8-11).

[The scribe asked Jesus] “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:28-31)

6. A Christian steward is loyal.

Christian stewards serve God faithfully, remembering who they are, whose they are, and why they are here on earth (Matthew 6:19-21, 24; Luke 14:25-33).

“No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Matthew 6:24)

7. A Christian steward is obedient.

Christian stewards obey God by setting aside a part of all their income for others (Deuteronomy 14:22-29; Deuteronomy 26:1-18; Malachi 3:6-18; Luke 18:18-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

[Jesus replied to the ruler]: “There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” But when he [the ruler] heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. (Luke 18:22-23)

8. A Christian steward is prayerful.

Christian stewards acknowledge the greatness and goodness of God through prayer, fellowship, study, worship, and reflection (Isaiah 40:28-31; Psalm 145; Jeremiah 29:11-14; John 6:25-40; Romans 12:1-21).

Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

9. A Christian steward is responsible.

Christian stewards realize that caring for God’s creation and wisely managing resources never ends (Genesis 41:37-45; Numbers 18:25-32; 2 Samuel 24:18-25; Matthew 28:16-20).

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded of you. (Matthew 28:19-20a)

10. A Christian steward sacrifices.

Christian stewards follow Jesus’ teaching to sacrifice what they have out of gratitude for their many blessings (Mark 12:41:44).

Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all that she had, all she had to live on. (Mark 12:43-44)

11. A Christian steward shares.

Christian stewards have learned to distribute fairly so that none will be in need (Luke 19:1-10; Acts 4:32-35; Acts 20: 34-35).

I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

12. A Christian steward is trustworthy.

Christian stewards can be trusted to make wise decisions concerning the resources placed within their care (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:10-13; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)