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Author: James Munk, Director in North America of Kairos, the youthwork of the Sword of the Spirit.

In Luke’s gospel it says: “Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, ‘Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’” (Luke 21:1-4)

Why did The Widow give two copper coins? Because she didn’t have three.

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus presents a different way of thinking about generosity. For the Lord, it’s not the impact of the gift, but the intent of the giver, that deserves consideration.

The Widow’s gift says a lot about what was important to her. And what was important to her was the Lord’s House… so important that she felt it deserved all she could give; and so that’s what she gave. Her intent was to give the most, her utmost, and the Lord noticed.

The truly Generous Heart desires to give the maximum gift, not the minimum acceptable amount.

What’s important to you? How will you be generous towards it? And whom do you care about? How will you be generous towards them?

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.