The Heart of Giving
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-44
Think about it: Why would the Creator of the cosmos ask us to give back 10% of whatever we make? We do not even belong the Forbes top 100 richest men on earth. God was able to create a universe so vast, science cannot even begin to measure it. We don’t have much to give and God owns everything. What makes you think He needs our 10%?
The truth is He doesn’t need our money. But, through every act of giving, what God is truly after is our heart. Why? One of God’s greatest rival in the heart of man is material wealth. We become so busy making money that we don’t make room for God. We rush our way from day to day, passing God by saying, “maybe later Lord.”
The woman in our story did not give much in terms of earthly currency. But God acknowledged her heart. Amidst her poverty, she held her two copper coins and thought, “I don’t know Lord, but I put my trust in You and give You what you are due.” The woman was not just giving to the temple; she was investing in heaven. It might not mean a lot for man, but it brought a huge smile on God’s face.
Now aren’t we glad God sees the heart when we give?
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for this opportunity to honor You through
giving. You look past the amount we give and see our
hearts. Teach us not to get caught up in the things of this
world but to trust in You every day.
APPLICATION
Application: Ask yourself – are you really giving what is due
Him or does your giving reveal a heart issue?