The Widow’s Gift

Luke 21:1-4 Jesus looked up and saw some rich people putting their gifts to God into the Temple collection box. Then he saw a poor widow put two small copper coins into the box. He said, "This poor widow gave only two small coins. But the truth is, she gave more than all those rich people. They have plenty, and they gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor, but she gave all she had to live on."

Giving financially to God’s work causes some people stress, and other people confusion. Am I giving too much? What’s the right amount to give? What does God expect?

I received an email a while back from a teenager who, in the last twelve months had given her life to Christ. Her heart was full-on for the Lord, it was an awesome thing to behold. Basically, what she asked is this:

I don’t have a job yet and so I don’t have an income, except a bit of pocket money. Do I have to give money to God’s work and if I can’t is that a problem?

And that reflects the sorts of questions that many people have about giving. I have my financial realities over here, and yet I’m told I should give to God’s work over there? How do I make that work? Should I tithe? What?

So I answered her with this Scripture:

Luke 21:1-4 Jesus looked up and saw some rich people putting their gifts to God into the Temple collection box. Then he saw a poor widow put two small copper coins into the box. He said, “This poor widow gave only two small coins. But the truth is, she gave more than all those rich people. They have plenty, and they gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor, but she gave all she had to live on.”

It seems that for Jesus, it wasn’t about how much you give. That had nothing to do with it. He measures the amount of our giving, by what it costs us. Because what we’re prepared to give up for Him tells Him what’s going on in our hearts. It tells Him who the Lord of our lives really is.

Give faithfully. Give sacrificially.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.

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