Day 9

“They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on.”

Mark 12:44

Tis the season for giving!

Everyone loves getting gifts right? As a child, this is definitely one of the most exciting times of the year. Running into the living room on Christmas morning to see all the presents! And if we are honest, even as adults, we still look forward to getting a Christmas gift here and there.

The joy that comes from receiving a gift is pretty special.

Now, what about the joy of giving a gift? Have you experienced that? The joy that comes from giving just the right gift to someone and seeing the excitement on their face.

During this season, don’t forsake the reason that you give, for the price tag of a gift. Remember, it is not about how much you give, but it is about the willingness and care that leads to giving. In the verse above from Mark 12 I want us to recognize something important.

Jesus is talking with his disciples about people who were giving an offering. Many wealthy people had walked by and put in large amounts of money. Then a widow came by and put in only a few cents. “Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything–all she had to live on.'” (Mark 12:43-44)

You see, the widow gave only a few cents, but it was her willingness to give that made the difference. When we give because we care rather than because we feel obligated, it is not only a blessing to someone else, but also to ourselves!

You don’t have to buy the most expensive gift of the year and you certainly do not need to spend every penny on a gift.

As we discuss giving, I can’t help but think about how Jesus set the example of giving out of love. He gave himself for us. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) Jesus gave everything, so that we could have everything through believing in him! He is truly the greatest gift of all!