Jesus is the heart of our giving!
Mark 12:43-44 He called his disciples together and said to them, “Amen I tell you: This poor widow put more into the offering box than all the others. 44 For they all gave out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all that she had to live on.” (EHV)
What would you consider better, someone giving millions to cancer research or a child taking out the garbage? This is a no brainer, the millions to cancer research! Think about how much suffering that cancer brings to one individual and their loved ones. Now think about all those who are affected by cancer throughout the world. We are grateful for those who can give to cancer research, especially if they can give millions. So, it would be absurd or even offensive to even think that a child throwing out garbage compares to the millions given for cancer research.
Humans tend to think in outwardly when it comes to giving. They look at the gift itself for worth and value. Think about the offerings at church. We like to think that the member who gives more is doing a better thing than the one who gives little or nothing at all. Maybe we like to compare our giving to others to show God that we are better and worthy of his love. Do we give to be noticed and admired by others and even by God? If we give to elevate ourselves, we cannot please the Lord. In fact, we anger him, and the offering is not acceptable no matter how much or good we think it is. It is not the amount of an offering that pleases the Lord, but the heart that gives it.
In the bible passage, Jesus clearly points out the heart of giving is more important to God than the amount. The poor widow gave from her heart everything she had, whereas the others gave out of their wealth. Now Jesus is not asking us to give all we have as an offering to him, but he is asking us to check our hearts. The offerings that are acceptable to the Lord comes from a heart that is connected to Jesus and his forgiveness.
Jesus is the heart and core of the reason why we give an offering. Jesus is the heart and core of the reason why we help others. This is what pleases the Lord and the reason why he will accept our offering. A child obeying his parents through his connection to the heart of Jesus is more acceptable to God than a billionaire atheist giving millions to cancer research. This is why we do not make a big deal about the amount we give, but rather keep our focus on Christ Jesus as the heart of our giving.
Dear Savior in heaven, help us keep you as the heart and core of our giving. Let us not think too highly of our offering lest we offend you. Keep us always connected to you. In your name we pray, Amen.