The Widow’s Mite Was Much

Here’s something to ponder: Generosity has nothing to do with how much you have, but everything to do with how much you give in proportion to how much you have. And Jesus showed us this truth through the actions of an amazing woman that he spotted when with His disciples on the grounds of the temple and observing people in the act of placing their offerings into the tem­ple treasury. Here’s what happened:

Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites… So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood” (Mark 12:41-44).

Jesus explained that the widow gave more than all the others. How was that possible? Because the others gave out of their mate­rial wealth at little personal cost and sacrifice. But the widow gave out of her poverty. Proportionally she had given the most—all that she had to live on! Such generous and sacrificial giving meant she was completely trusting God to provide for all her needs.

Jesus’ message to your heart is this: Your generosity is not measured by the amount of your gift, but on the amount that is left over after you give. Obviously Jesus is not telling you to give everything you—and your family—have. But He is saying you’re to give proportionally as God has blessed you and to trust Him to provide with what’s left and to supply more if it’s needed (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). There’s no need to worry—the Lord is your shepherd; therefore, you will never lack what you truly need. He promises it in Psalm 23.

What can you do to follow in this lady’s footsteps? To start you off, pray about being more generous. Ask yourself if you trust in the Lord’s provision and are exhibiting a heart of contentment or dissatisfaction. If you have a family, talk about the marvelous trait of generosity that Jesus pos­sessed and looked for in others. Consider a project can you or your fam­ily take on? Or a sacrifice that your family can make together. This will speak volumes to your kids, and it will water and nurture this stellar quality of generosity in their hearts too. What better way to celebrate this season of Thanksgiving!

Without question Jesus is the ultimate model of generosity, for He gave the ultimate gift in the sacrifice of Himself – in death – to forgive our sins and secure eternal life for us. His unselfishness was in infinite proportions, for He gave the immeasurable sacrifice. He promises us more fulfillment than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). I pray that your faith and trust in His provision (1 Timothy 6:17) will release you to experience the joys of generosity that God wants you to experience.

Question: Can you share about a time when you chose to sacrificial generosity and experience God’s pleasure and blessings? Help others by sharing ways you have experienced this principle as a family.

For more about God’s good desires for you read, A Woman who Reflects the Heart of Jesus.

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Read The Widow’s Mite Was Much on Elizabeth & Jim George.