By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Mark 12:42-44 "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.” - NIV
Jesus was sitting at the temple watching people give their offertory. Out of all who gave, His attention was drawn to the widow’s offering. She gave all she had to live on. It was the smallest amount, but Jesus said she gave more than all. How could the least amount given be the biggest gift? Jesus explained that the others gave out of their abundance, but she gave out of her poverty. This is not to denounce giving out of abundance, but the attitude with which they gave.
Giving of time and substance is part of worship. The things people give and the attitude with which they give are all important in worship. The widow, out of gratitude to God, gave all she had. It was from a willing, grateful, worshipping heart. And that is what caught Jesus heart. Beyond the amounts that people give, is the attitude of the giver. That’s what God considers.
Whether we give little or much, out of abundance or poverty, the key to worshiping God with our substance that catches His attention is the attitude with which we give. Some give to show off, to win favor with God and people. Others give out of manipulation. But our giving should primarily be to worship with grateful hearts, the God who gave us life and all these things. In that way, what we give from the heart will please God regardless of the amounts.
Matthew 6:2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full."
Shalom children of God.