Unfortunately, when most of us hear or read the word "Stewardship," we instinctively think of it spelled as "$tewardship," a code word for giving money to the church. It may be politely asked for. It may be clothed in pious language. It may be linked to giving of time and talents. But, in the end, stewardship still means, for most of us: "I must give some of my money so that we can operate the church."

Our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a spiritual law: "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (St. Matthew 6:14-15).

Now we've looked at the sickness--anger and resentment--and we've looked at the cure: forgiveness and the cutting off of angry thoughts by means of watchfulness and prayer. But what if anger and resentment have already poisoned our relationship with someone else? What then are we to do? Both the Gospels and the Holy Fathers of the Church tell us that we are to humble ourselves and seek reconciliation. Christ says: "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder,' and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother will be in danger of the judgment…Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (St. Matthew 5:21-24).

The Holy Scripture and the Holy Fathers of the Church affirm that as we pray for spiritual healing from passions like anger and resentment, we must also practice constant watchfulness or attention over our thoughts. Christ spoke about watchfulness, both directly and in parables. At the conclusion of one such parable, He said: "What I say to you I say to all: watch" (Mark 13:37). Later, as He was going to His final Passion, He told His disciples: "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation" (Mark 14:38).

Having looked at the malady of anger, judgment, and resentment, let's go look at the cure. What are we to do to be freed of this sickness?

Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us clearly: "Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. And to him who smites you on the one cheek, offer the other" (Luke 6:27-29).

This great Saint as bishop in Magnesia, and suffered for Christ at the age of 113. When violent persecution broke out under the Emperor Septimus Severus, the aged Haralambos did not hide from his persecutors but freely and openly preached the Christian faith. He endured all tortures as though not in the body, and when they flayed the living flesh from him, the godly Saint said to the Emperor's soldiers: 'Thank you, my brethren, for scraping off the old body and renewing my soul for new and eternal life.' He performed many miracles (wonders, Gk. thavmata) and brought many to the Faith.