“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 12:43-44
Jesus was watching the people put their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people had put in large amounts of money. A woman came up and put in, basically, a few pennies. Jesus then makes this statement that she gave more than anyone else had given.
As the end of last year came up, there was a lot of talk about giving. Churches and different charities would often state that if you want credit on your taxes for your giving, you must give before Dec 31. Most people want to receive credit for what they give.
The question is in how are you giving?
Some will give the compulsory tithe of ten percent. A few more will give a little bit more. Very few people will give much above the tithe, if they tithe at all. Often, those who give a lot are looking for a good tax return.
Often when a church is seeking some money for a project, people will look at their wallet and see if they have any extra cash and give that. When they look in the wallet they see a $20 bill and nothing else. Immediately they do not want to give that, because that is all they have.
What does God want you to give?
Ultimately, God owns everything. This includes all of your money. It is His, not yours. God wants you to love Him with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength. You are to love Him with everything you have. This includes all your money.
God gets excited about a generous giver. The person who gives generously is being just like Jesus. Jesus generously gave His life for you. What can you give Him?
Seek God and ask God how much you should give and when to give it. Be willing to give it all. God will supply your needs. Most of the world is wondering where their next meal is coming from, don’t be worried about how to buy that next Starbucks coffee if you give everything.
I pray today that God will show you what you should give away; that God will fill your heart with His love to give; that God will show you that He will provide for your needs; that you will give generously; and that God will bless you and the amounts you give abundantly.
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