February 22, 2025 Daily Dose of Discernment

“Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury.” (Mark 12:43)

Jesus uttered these words in the story of the widow who, poor as she was, gave everything she had to live on. He praised her for presenting an offering greater than all those of the others. He didn't say that in His book she gave more; He said she actually did give more.

The kingdom of God doesn't operate according to worldly economics. By its standards, the monetary value of what we give is not as important as how much it costs us to give it. If we give all we own to feed the poor but don’t have love, it would amount to nothing. But a widow’s mite or five loaves and two fish or just a word or gesture of encouragement offered in love and with great sacrifice does more in reality to further God's kingdom than millions in currency given as leftovers. Of course, it doesn't mean we cannot make big contributions. But the long and short of it is that whatever the size of our offering, it's the motive of the heart that counts.