05/28/23

Day of Pentecost – John 20:19-23

Stewardship Moment from Pastor William

Stewardship in the Gospel

Jesus gives his disciples the Holy Spirit and tells them they have the power to weigh people down by not releasing their sins. Jesus died and released us from the burden of our sins, so he certainly wasn’t telling them it is acceptable to not forgive sins (verse 23). The benevolence of God should not be undone by our stinginess.

Stewardship in our community

People tend to get wrapped up in which sins are forgivable and which are not. Jesus didn’t make such a distinction. Instead, he said people will be forgiven of every sin (Matthew 12:31). Stewardship is taking care of that which belongs to God; in this case, it is forgiveness.

Stewardship in practice

Let us practice forgiveness. Instead of focusing on the sins of people, look at the person and speak Jesus’ words of love and forgiveness. Release them of the burden of their sin, free them to be loved and to love. The Holy Spirit will work with that.