Have you ever been down to your last dime? I have.
Today’s lesson talks about a widow who gave all she had in the collection plate. Jesus was standing by and noticed that while others were giving from their abundance, this woman gave her last dime.
While this example was extraordinary, I got the feeling it refers to more than just money.
The Message Bible records Mark 12:41-44, like this, Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, “The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all.”
This widow’s example lends itself to further review. As a widow, it was likely that she had little means for support. However, giving her last demonstrated her confidence in God’s provision.
I’d bet it wasn’t the first time she gave her last. Yet, here she is again, time after time exercising her faith walk.
When we hear the word “giving” more often than not, our thought process go-to focuses on money.
For some, giving money is much easier than giving anything else. While financial giving is important, our sacrificial giving should extend itself to giving grace, love, kindness, time, and talent.
Sisters Seeking The Savior
God knows our heart and our intentions. Our every thought is weighed by God’s standard. On our own, we'll never measure up to His purity or integrity.
Offering ourselves to God is the first step. As we extend our true selves to a loving Father, asking for His forgiveness, we must also allow Him to work in and through us.
We come to God as we are, but the sincere heart won’t leave the same. Let’s practice self-examination and be willing to walk by faith more regularly.