GIVING THAT HURTS
Opening Prayer
I thank You, Lord, for the many ways in which You have blessed me. I thank You for…
Read Mark 12:41–44
The Widow’s Offering
41 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. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
New International Version (NIV)
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Reflect
What do you currently give to God of your possessions?This story is challenging for those of us who live in the prosperous West. Most of us have never known what it is to give in a way that hurts. We often give to our churches directly from our bank accounts, which is good in its own way, but distances us from the act of giving. We debate the intricacies of tithing, but rarely give enough to affect our diet, let alone leave us hungry.
Living in Romania for many years, I met Christians who said they were too poor to give. But I also met many who had experienced first-hand the faithfulness and loving care of God as they chose to give despite their circumstances. Giving more than we think we can afford is saying that we trust God more than we trust money.
Sometimes we feel as if our contribution is insignificant – be it money or in other areas of life. But God’s economics don’t work like ours: Jesus said the widow had given the most (43). When we give out of our love for Him, He will take our meager gift and turn it into something amazing! Remember the boy who gave his packed lunch to Jesus? He probably thought he was risking going hungry that day, but instead he shared a feast with at least 4,999 others (John 6:9)!
Apply
One of my mentors once challenged me to try to “out-give” God. Can you trust that God will be faithful no matter how much He asks you to give? Openly seek His heart now.
Closing prayer
Lord, please show me what and to whom I should give. Show me if its time to re-assess before You my regular giving.
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