Giving Out of Faith Not Because of Wealth

Giving Out of Faith Not Because of Wealth

“And Jesus called his disciples and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, Verily this poor widow hath given more than all that put into the treasury (Mark 12:43).

Bible Reading of the Year: 2 Chronicles 15-20

In the 7th century, in a small region near Antioch, lived a Christian man named Elias. He was not a nobleman or a wealthy merchant. He was just a simple baker who lived a mediocre life with his family. During a severe winter, many of the congregations in the city went hungry because of the war and the crop failure.

The Church collected aid for widows and orphans. Many wealthy people delay giving for fear of shortages. But Elias came with a small bag of wheat, his family's last supply for a few days.

A friend of hers said, “Why do you give so much? Isn't your own family struggling?” Elijah replied calmly, “I don't give because I'm rich. I give because I believe God never abandons His children.”

A few days later, a merchant from another town came to buy a large quantity of bread. From that work, Elias and his family actually gained sufficiency. But what is most important is not the material blessings he receives, but the faith that proves to live in the midst of want.

Elijah's account reminds us of the poor widow in Mark 12:43. In the eyes of humans, the gift is very small. But in Christ's eyes, he gave the most because he gave with faith and total surrender to God. Jesus did not see the nominal amount, but rather a heart that fully believed in God. 

Often, people think that giving can only be done when financial conditions are established. Yet the Bible teaches that giving is an act of faith, not just an economic act. A person who believes that God is the source of life's sustenance will not be afraid to share, even if he himself has limitations.

Giving out of faith also shows that our hearts are not enslaved by materialism. Wealth can run out, businesses can go down, but God remains faithful to take care of His people. True faith will be seen not only when receiving blessings but also when we remain willing to give in the midst of need.

Three practical applications that we can do, namely:

First, learn to give with a sincere heart. Don't wait for the rich to be a blessing. Start with what we have today.

Second, believe that God is the source of sustenance. Don't let fear of the future make us stingy and closed to the needs of others.

Third, make giving a form of worship. Offerings are not just a church routine, but an expression of faith and love for God.

Prayer:

The Lord God is loving, teach us to have a heart like a poor widow who gives with sincere faith. Enable us not to be bound by worldly concerns, but to trust that You are the source of our life's sustenance. Shape our hearts to be happy to share and be a channel of blessings for others. In the name of the Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.

 

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