Giving Sacrificially

(As you read the piece included below, please pray about giving to a worthy ministry that is aiding the victims in Haiti.)

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. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44

For God so loved the world that He gave... Our giving is an expression of our love for God as well as an act of compassion towards those that benefit from it. The truth is we do not have to have an abundance of wealth in order to give in a way that pleases God. Jesus took notice of a widow worn by her years of lack. She quietly gave all she had, yet all she had was worth less than a penny monetarily. But she gave from a fervent heart of love. In fact Jesus said that this widow gave more than all the others. She gave sacrificially. When we give to the Lord sacrificially of our time, talent, and treasure, we bring pleasure to the heart of God.

God also promises to bless us when we give like this – “Give and it shall be given unto you”. He says that whatever we sow, we shall reap. Though our primary reason for giving should not be for the blessings we receive, it is not wrong to expect God to bless us. He is pleased with our faith – even faith to receive from God's supply. He is our Provider and he longs to meet our every need.

Let's give with a heart of love of our time, talent, and treasure. Let's be faithful to give what we can to aid in establishing the Kingdom of God. When we do we too shall receive a blessing.

Dear Lord,

Speak to my heart about the giving part of my faith. Show me if I have been faithful, and help me to give sacrificially of my time, talent, and treasure. Teach me to love as Jesus did, by giving of myself to honor God and help others. Thank you Lord for working in my life in this way. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.