“And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: [4] For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” Luke 21:3-4
When we think about giving, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers. A million dollars versus a penny—the difference seems clear-cut.
Yet, the Bible teaches us that God’s perspective on giving is vastly different from ours. This truth is beautifully illustrated in Luke 21:1-4, where the act of giving is measured not by the amount but by the heart and sacrifice behind it.”
In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus observes people putting their gifts into the treasury. Among them, a poor widow contributes two mites, which is a fraction of a penny.
However, Jesus points out that her offering is more significant than all the others’, even above someone who gave a great amount.
Why? Because while the rich gave out of their abundance, she gave all she had to live on. Her sacrifice and trust in God made her gift more valuable in God’s eyes.
This concept is further explored in Luke 18:9-14, through the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. In this story, Jesus contrasts the prayer of a Pharisee, who proudly lists his righteous deeds, with that of a tax collector, who humbly asks for God’s mercy, acknowledging his sinfulness.
The Pharisee believes his actions make him superior, while the tax collector’s sincere heart makes him justified before God.
The lesson here is profound. God values the intention and sacrifice behind our gifts more than the gifts themselves. He does not need our resources; He owns everything. What He desires is our hearts and our trust.
When we give, whether it be time, resources, or love, doing so with a pure heart and for the sake of sacrifice is what truly matters.
This perspective shifts how we view giving. It’s not about the impact of the gift on us or its outward perception but about the condition of our hearts. A gift given grudgingly or for show carries little weight with God. But a gift given out of love, no matter how small, is precious in His eyes.
In conclusion, let us challenge ourselves to examine our motives for all we do for the Lord. Are we more like the Pharisee, concerned with appearances and self-righteousness? Or are we like the widow and the tax collector, giving and praying with humility and sincerity? Let’s strive to give in a way that pleases God, focusing on the heart behind the gift rather than the gift itself. This is the true essence of giving.
