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." — Luke 21:1-3
Valerie clutched her last five dollars tightly in her sweaty palms. Since being widowed a year ago, every dollar went toward keeping food on the table for her growing sons. She worked two jobs, and each night, she crawled into bed exhausted.
She could hold onto her last bit of cash, but she thought of her church’s homeless fund. “There are others out there with even less,” Valerie reminded herself as she dropped the money into the offering box in her church foyer.
A similar situation happened one day when Jesus was visiting the local temple. Many gave with much fanfare, drawing attention to their extravagant gifts. They were seeking acknowledgment and praise from those around them.
But their gifts didn’t impress the Messiah at all. Instead, He highlighted a widow who had thrown in her last two coins. Though she was poor and could use the money for her household, she gave generously to others.
This story illustrates a simple truth about Jesus: The size of your holiday gift doesn’t matter. What is the intention behind that gift? Jesus is pleased with your big or small offering when you give from your heart.
God, please let me be a generous giver. Let me give—not to receive praise or recognition—but from a sincere desire to honor You.