There are over 2,300 verses about stewardship and generosity in the Bible. And as a church leader, the Lord has specifically called you to teach these biblical principles to His children.
While 2,300 verses give you ample opportunities to begin the conversation, it can make it a daunting task to even know where to start. To make it easier to start here are 20 Bible verses about stewardship, broken down into categories, that will help you share this biblical principle with your church.
The Calling from the Lord to be good Stewards
The Lord has entrusted us with all that He’s created. From being caretakers of the earth to helping His children in need to managing the resources (time, talent, and treasures) that He’s given us. And when we arrive in heaven, the Lord will ask us what we’ve done with what He’s given us. How will you answer this question? How will the people of your church answer?
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savoir. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” –Psalm 24:1-7
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” –Matthew 25:23
“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” –Romans 14:12
“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.” – Titus 1:7-8
Stewardship verses related to talents
The Lord has given us each talents that are unique to us and His plan for us. Whether that be a green thumb, a musical ability, exceptional compassion, or athleticism, we are called to use these talents for His glory.
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”- Genesis 2:15
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” – Colossians 3:23-24
“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 4:10-11
Stewardship verses related to money, wealth, and possessions
The Lord warns us that we cannot have two masters. We must choose between serving Him and serving material possessions. It’s easy to get caught up keeping up with the Joneses. It’s easy to fixate on how many numbers are in your salary. It’s easy for life to be overrun with debt. But the Lord doesn’t want this for us. He wants so much more, which is why He gives us explicit instructions on how to handle our “treasures.”
“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirm His covenant, which He swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” –Deuteronomy 8:17-18
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.’”- Matthew 6:21-24
“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” –Luke 16:11
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” – 1 Timothy 6:10
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” – 1 Timothy 6:17
Stewardship verses related to time
Time is one of the many resources the Lord has given us. And now-a-days it seems like there’s never enough of it. Between work, getting the kids to soccer practice, and cooking dinner, 24 hours doesn’t seem to cut it. But the Lord has given us specific instructions about how we are to use the time He’s given us to maximize our work and tasks, not only to further build his Kingdom but also to make life more manageable.
“And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.’ And it was so. God made two great lights- the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.” –Genesis 1:14-16
“Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” –Ephesians 5:15-17
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” –Galatians 6:9-10
“And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Romans 13:11-14
Stewardship of testimony
The Lord is constantly working in our lives for our good. And because of this, we are not to be quiet about what the Lord has done for us. We are to share it with any ear who is ready to hear and any heart that is yearning for good news.
“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” – Psalm 66:16
“All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.” –Psalm 145:10-12
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go 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 I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” –Matthew 28:16-20
“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives as much as to shrink from death.” –Revelation 12:11
To truly shepherd the flock, as a church leader you need to speak on generosity and stewardship regularly. The starting point for this should always be scripture. This will help your church not only cultivate a culture of generosity but it will also result in greater spiritual health for your congregation.
