And He saw a poor widow casting two mites (small copper coins)
-Luke 21:2
Jesus saw many rich people putting their offerings into the box and a poor widow putting two mites. Jesus said, “Everyone put out of their abundance whereas the poor widow put all that she had to live on”.
In 2 Corinth 9:7, Paul says that each man should give what he decides in his heart and not reluctantly, for God loves a cheerful giver. So what we offer should be done whole heartedly. We must not expect benefits in return of giving to Him.
How is our giving? It is a question for us to ponder upon.
In 2 Corinth 8:3, Paul tells about how the believers in Macedonian church gave,
"Out of the most severe trial, their overwhelming joy and in their extreme poverty they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability, on their own". They were much concerned about their fellow saints who were suffering in Jerusalem. Their giving was seasoned with love and concern. Again, how is our giving?
In 2 Corinth 10:18, it is said, “For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends”.
EVERYTHING THAT WE GIVE SHOULD BE APPROVED BY GOD.
Let me share a testimony. I witnessed in one of my mission trips to a village.
One evening, we visited a poor lady’s house who had just accepted Jesus as her Saviour. She lived alone in her hut and had no close kin. She had the widow pension and would also run some errands for exchange of money to survive. She had some old clothes and firewood to cook that she kept in her trunk. She took out a crushed 10 Rs note from her wallet. It was the only money she had. I was in tears and refused to receive it. She offered it happily and whole heartedly. Unable to refuse I received it, prayed and returned it to her with a blessing. I was ashamed as I left my bag in the van and had nothing to offer her.
It reminded me of the poor widow Jesus mentioned.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for everything that you have given us. From all that you gave, we bring the gifts and offerings. Let him happen that we please you like the poor widow with our offering Help us give with a cheerful heart. Amen.
Sol. Santhini AOJ