2-9-25 “Stewardship Month: Do Good and Share with Others (2)”

Click here for worship material 

“Stewardship Month: Do Good and Share with Others (2)”

          I want to start with something funny that I found an internet site: A pastor stood up on Stewardship Sunday and said, “I have good news and bad news!” “The good news is—we have all the money we need to fund the church’s ministries!” The congregation cheered. “The bad news? It’s still in your wallets.”

What if we had enough money—what would you like to do? When I attended a winter family retreat last Christmas season, I led a small group session. I gave the participants a few discussion questions to share in their groups. One of the questions was: “If you had all the necessary resources—money, people to work with, and other support—what would you like to do?” This question applied both to ministry and personal life. The most common answers were: Personally: Traveling the world. In ministry: Building a senior community (Silver Town) and expanding children’s ministry. One key takeaway from these discussions was that money is an important resource to make dreams come true.

However, let me tell you the truth: There is something even more important than money. That is love. God came into the world as Jesus Christ because of love. Jesus became an example for all humanity because of love. Jesus died on the cross and rose again because of love. Today, we are here before God because of God’s love. Is there anything greater than the love of God?

We observe February as Stewardship Month. The word “Stewardship” is often misunderstood as being only about “money.” When we hear it, our minds immediately go to tithes, offerings, and finances.  But stewardship is not about money. It is about “love.”

God created all things in love and entrusted all things to humans in love. We are called to care for and manage all that God has given us with love. Stewardship, at its core, is our response to God’s love. If you have ever thought of stewardship as only financial giving, I encourage you to see it differently: stewardship is love in action.

The love-call of God to us in 2025 is found in Hebrews 13:16: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”  John Wesly, the founder of Methodism, taught three simple rules that Christians should follow in everyday life: “Do Good, Do No Harm, and Stay in Love with God.” I know that many of you really already live out these principles in your daily lives. But today, I want to challenge you to step into the second mile as part of your New Year’s resolution.

In today’s scripture, Jesus teaches us: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’  But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:38-42, NRSV). This passage, part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, challenges His followers to live with radical grace, generosity, and love, going beyond what is expected.

“Do Good” is not passive act. It requires active generosity. Let’s look again at Jesus’ words: If someone strikes you on the right cheek—turn the other. If someone sues you for your coat—give your cloak too. If someone forces you to walk one mile—go two. Give to those who beg; do not refuse those who ask. Jesus is calling us to a life of radical generosity—to give freely, serve joyfully, and love extravagantly.

In Israel under Roman rule, there was a law: if a Roman soldier commanded someone to carry their burden, that person was required to go one mile. It was an unfair and oppressive law for the Israelites. But Jesus said, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two” (Matthew 5:41). This means we do good not out of obligation or duty, but out of love.

I want to share a story about “the second mile.” It was a hot afternoon in Judea. The sun blazed down on the dusty road, and the crowd barely noticed the Roman soldier standing at the gate. His armor gleamed, his spear rested at his side, and his eyes scanned the people passing by. Then, his gaze landed on a young Jewish man—perhaps in his twenties—carrying a bundle of wood. The soldier stepped forward, and barked, “You! Carry my pack.” The young man had no choice. Roman law required any citizen to carry a soldier’s pack for one mile.

The burden was heavy, the leather straps rough against his skin. He hated the Romans. Their rule was oppressive, their taxes unbearable. And yet, here he was, carrying the pack of the very people who made his life harder. He knew the rule: One mile. No more. But as they reached the mile marker, something surprising happened. Instead of dropping the pack and walking away, the young man smiled and said, “I’ll carry it another mile.” The soldier stopped in his tracks. No one did that. No one went the second mile.

As they walked on, the soldier grew uneasy. Finally, he asked, “Why are you doing this?” The young man smiled. “Because my Rabbi taught me to.” The soldier frowned. “Who is your Rabbi?” And the young man shared the teachings of Jesus—about love, grace, and a kingdom where enemies become friends.

That second mile wasn’t just about carrying a heavy pack. It was about carrying the love of God where no one expected it to go. The second mile isn’t just about doing extra work—it’s about showing the world a different way to live. It’s forgiving when we don’t have to. It’s serving when no one is watching. It’s loving even when it’s inconvenient. This is the way of Jesus—the way of the second mile.

As we begin Stewardship Month, let us remember: Stewardship is not about money—it’s about love. God calls us to do good and share what we have. Following Jesus means going the second mile—not just fulfilling obligations, but giving with a heart of love.

So, I ask you again: What will you do with the resources God has given you? Will you walk the second mile in 2025? Those who have already walked the second mile in love of God and love of neighbor, let’s step even further than before. And for those who are taking it step by step in the teachings of Jesus, why not begin stepping into the second mile of love? Do not turn away when you see those in need—give with a generous heart. If you only love those who love you, how are you any different from non-Christians? As followers of Jesus, let us strive to love even those who stand against us. That is the stewardship mindset of God. May we be faithful stewards of God’s blessings—not just in what we give, but in how we love, serve, and live.

Thanks be to God. Amen!