Bible Verse:   Mark 12:42     

But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.        

The story of the widow with the two coins, found in both Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4 captures a powerful lesson on sacrifice and faith. While Jesus was in the temple watching people give their offerings, He noticed that many wealthy individuals were giving large sums of money. Then, a poor widow approached and placed two small copper coins into the collection box—an amount that would have been worth just a few cents. Despite the smallness of her gift in worldly terms, it caught Jesus’ attention. Jesus called His disciples over and highlighted the widow’s offering as an example of true generosity. He explained that while the rich gave out of their abundance, the widow, in her poverty, gave everything she had to live on. Her offering wasn’t just about the amount; it was a profound act of faith and trust in God. Even though she had so little, she gave without hesitation, believing that God would provide for her. Her sacrifice, though small in value, was seen as greater than the large gifts of the wealthy because it was everything she had and represented her total reliance on God. In this way, her gift became a timeless symbol of devotion, reminding us that true generosity often involves personal sacrifice. What kind of offering do you give? Is it from the heart?

The Lesson: True giving isn’t measured by the amount, but by the heart and sacrifice behind it. Sacrificial giving shows deep faith, as it requires us to trust God fully with our resources, knowing that He will care for us. We need to take a look at how we give—whether it’s our time, money, or talents—and strive to give with a heart of faith, trusting God with the outcome. Even when we feel like we have little to offer, our giving can be powerful when done with love and dependence on God.

Offering gifts from the heart goes beyond just money; it includes sharing our time, presence, talents, and skills with others. By giving our time, we show love and compassion, especially to those who need friendship or support. Using our unique talents and skills—whether in teaching, cooking, listening, or creating—allows us to serve others in meaningful ways, making a real difference in their lives. Through these heartfelt acts, we offer gifts that reflect God’s love, building up the community and bringing joy and encouragement to those around us.