THE BLESSING OF GIVING

Reading from the Bible :

38 Then He said to them in his teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in log robes, love greetings in the market places, 39 “The best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 40 “Who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” 41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how people put the money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans . 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them. “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those  who have given to the treasury; 44 “For they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:38-44

Summary

It made no sense for a widow to donate her last few coins to a corrupt institution in Jerusalem, where scribes who were dependent on those gifts “devour[ed] widows’ houses” (Mark 12:40). But in that woman’s act, Jesus saw a moving display of the proper attitude towards money (vv.41-44).

                                   Gordon  Cosby, while serving as a pastor of the Church of the Saviour in Washington, DC, tells of a widow whose income was barely adequate to feed and clothe her six children. Yet every week she faithfully placed $4 in the offering plate. A deacon suggested that Cosby go to her and assure her that she could use the money instead for her family’s benefit.

                                                          Cosby followed the deacon’s advice---to his regret . “You are trying to take away the last thing that gives me dignity and meaning,” she said. She had learned a key to giving: It can benefit the giver more than the receiver. Yes, those in poverty need financial help. But the need to give may be as important as the need to receive.   

                           The act of giving reminds us that we live by the grace of God---like the birds and the flowers. Those creations don’t worry about  their future; neither should we. Giving offers us a way to express our confidence that God will care for us just as He cares for the sparrow and lily (Matt. 6:25-34).--- Philip Yancey  

                 Whatever, Lord, we lend to thee,

                Repaid a thousand-fold will be;

               Then gladly will we give to the

              Who givest all---who givest all. ---Wordsworth

                                                                                                 

                               

  We disarm the power of money by giving it away.