Good morning, and a most blessed Thursday to you.

In many of our Bibles, we find small headings above chapters or sections. Recently, as I was reading, one heading especially caught my attention. It was above 1 Peter, chapter 4, and it read: “Good Stewards of God’s Grace.”

That phrase made me stop and think—what does it mean to steward God’s grace? We know we receive grace as a gift from God, but how do we then live as its caretakers?

Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:1:
“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention—for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin—so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God.”

In other words, stewarding God’s grace begins with remembering that Christ has dealt with sin once and for all. We now belong to Him. Our calling is to live no longer according to human desires, but according to the will of God.

Peter continues by reminding his readers that they’ve already lived enough of their lives in sin—following the world in its passions, excesses, and idols. But now, through grace, they are called to live differently. That same call is for us today. As stewards of God’s grace, our lives become a testimony—a witness—that God’s love and forgiveness are real.

Later in this chapter, verse 8 says:
“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.”

What a beautiful reminder! Each of us brings our sinful self into every relationship. We hurt and disappoint one another, often in word or deed. Yet, love—rooted in God’s grace—has the power to cover those sins. When we love one another, we can forgive as we’ve been forgiven. That love, empowered by Christ, allows us to extend grace in real and practical ways.

Peter also writes that we are to use the gifts God has given us for His glory:
“Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.” (vv. 11)

That’s the heart of stewardship—recognizing that everything we have is from God and for God. We love, we forgive, we serve, and we speak—not in our own strength, but in His. And the goal is never to glorify ourselves, but to point others back to the One who gives grace in abundance.

Let us pray:
Heavenly Lord, thank You for the gift of Your grace. Thank You for calling us to live not by our desires, but by Your will. Help us to love one another deeply, to forgive as we have been forgiven, and to serve with the strength You provide. May our words and our actions bring glory to You, so that others may come to know Your grace. We lift this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. Until then, may God bless you and keep you in His grace.

Pastor Malinak