A HEART OF GENEROSITY
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 few cents. Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-44 (NIV)
This story in Matthew provides a glimpse into the heart of Jesus. Reread it and notice the tender, loving heart of God. Notice how He honored the poor widow. I can only imagine what it felt like for her to be noticed. The gift of the woman truly moved Him. He praised the widow who gave two small coins, not because of the amount, but because she gave out of love and trust. She gave all she had! In the same way, our giving—whether to the church, to someone in need, or simple acts of service—pleases God most when it’s a gift from the heart. Even the smallest act of kindness, when done in love, moves us beyond checking a box to a life that reflects the heart of God, inspires hope, and extends the love of God to a lost and hurting world.
When we understand how much God has given us—His Son, His grace, His constant presence—our response becomes an overflow of gratitude. Today, let’s remember that generosity is a gift from the heart. As Moses instructed the Israelites, Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV)
APPLICATION: How’s your heart today? Spend a few minutes quietly allowing emotions to surface. What words would you use to describe the nature of your heart today? Bring those to God and ask Him to restore union with Him so the heart of God would flow in and through your life.
PRAYER: God, thank You for the gift of Your Son. Thank You that I don’t have to do anything to earn Your love. Help me receive Your love today, so my heart will be full and able to spill over into the people around me. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?