Mark 12:28-44
Matthew 22:34-23:39
Luke 20:41-21:4
Luke 21:3-4, “‘Truly I tell you,’ He said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’”
When it comes to generosity, many assume the most generous are the ones who give the largest dollar amount. Not so! The poor widow in today’s reading is the perfect example. She gave the smallest amount possible – two copper coins equivalent to less than a penny – and yet Jesus states that she gave above and beyond anyone else. Why? She gave everything she had!
Abundant generosity is never determined by the size of the pile — whether it’s a mountain or a molehill — but by the heart. Jesus commended the widow’s willingness to give and heart for God’s house. She was recognized because her offering wasn’t superficial, but sacrificial. In Matthew 6, Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” While many stored up an earthly wealth of zero eternal value, she stored up treasures for herself in heaven. So, who truly had more? The poor widow!
How about you? Are you all in when it comes to generosity? Would Jesus commend your willingness to sow your resources into the local church? Because you are never more like Him than when you give!
Heavenly Father, Reveal the attitude of my heart when it comes to generosity. I recognize that all I have comes from You. Open my eyes to opportunities to give with a willing spirit so that I can lay up treasure in Heaven! Amen.