All For the ONE
Understanding Generous Giving Through the Widow's Example
The story of the poor widow who gave her last two coins provides powerful lessons about generous giving and trusting God with our finances. Her example shows that giving is more about our heart's attitude than the amount we contribute.
What Does Jesus Notice About Giving?
Jesus positioned himself to observe people giving their offerings at the temple. He noticed both the rich giving large sums and a poor widow giving two small copper coins - her last pennies. This reveals that Jesus sees our individual situations and circumstances when we give.
How Does Jesus Measure Our Giving?
While the rich gave out of their abundance, the widow gave everything she had to live on. Jesus declared that she had given more than all the others combined - not because of the amount, but because of her sacrificial heart. Jesus measures our heart's attitude in giving, not the size of our gift.
What Are The Different Levels of Giving Hearts?
There are four progressive levels of giving hearts:
Reluctant Heart: Asks "Should I give?"
Obedient Heart: Asks "How much should I give?"
Generous Heart: Asks "How much can I give?"
Extravagant Heart: Asks "How much should I keep?"Why Did The Widow Give Everything?
The widow demonstrated an extravagant heart of worship. She could have kept one coin but chose to give both, showing complete trust in God's provision. Her giving reflected the heart of Jesus, who would soon give everything on the cross.
Life Application:
Consider what type of giving heart you currently have and how you might grow in generosity.
Questions to reflect on:
Do I trust God enough to give sacrificially?
What holds me back from giving more generously?
Am I giving out of abundance or sacrifice?
Challenge:
Identify one way you can stretch your giving beyond your comfort zone. Remember - it's not about the amount, but about giving with a heart of worship and trust in God's provision.
