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 [NIV]
Was it wrong to give out of wealth? Is it wrong for wealthy people to give large amounts? It seems that again, we are looking into the attitude of the giver, and the heavenly perspective with respect to the cost of the gift.
What does sacrificial giving mean to you? Are you giving out of your wealth? Or out of poverty, giving all you have to live on?
The value is greater if the sacrifice is more.
Lord, help me to understand how to give the amount that you would have me give, and help me to give sacrificially – not just from the excess wealth that I have been blessed with. Help me to respect and admire those who have so much less than I have, following the example of Jesus, Amen.
Dave MacLellan
No comments:
Post a Comment