The Widow’s Wealth

Mark 12:44
“For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”

God makes it possible for every person to be able to please Him. Whether you are rich or poor, educated or uneducated, healthy or sick, popular or unpopular, of financial means or of no assets, God makes it possible for you to be able to please Him. When you read the Scriptures, God’s policy and principles are make it so that any person can do what He asks of them to do; therefore, any person can please the LORD no matter what their situation in life may be.

One of the greatest illustrations of this principle is found in the story of the widow’s mite. Jesus was sitting in the treasury watching people give. Those people of wealth came and gave “of their abundance,” but a widow came and gave two mites, which were of no comparison in financial value. If you were to look at the financial value of what was given, you would have been astounded at the amount of those who gave “of their abundance.” Sadly, many people look at the financial value and make those who gave “of their abundance” the better Christians than the person who gives what they can of the little that they have. Fortunately, Jesus recognized the value of the widow’s mites, and used this to give four lessons on the wealth that she gave. Let me share with you these four lessons.

First, it is not the money that God needs, but the heart. If you were to look at who had more heart in their giving, you would no doubt have to conclude that the widow’s heart was in her giving. It is interesting that God never revealed the value of the “abundance,” but He did show that He was interested in the heart of this widow. You will never squabble about the amount you are giving financially or in effort when your heart is given to the LORD.

Second, it was the sacrifice of giving that impressed the Saviour. Jesus looked at the percentage that was given over the value that was given. This widow sacrificed to give her two mites because it was “all” that she had. You will never impress the Saviour with whatever you give if there is no sacrifice. God is looking for sacrifice from His children because He sacrificed all that He had to give us salvation. If what you give the LORD takes no sacrifice, then what you give the LORD has no heart, and the LORD is after your heart.

Third, it was the love of the giver that made the widow wealthy. This widow’s love for the LORD was evident by the sacrifice she was willing to make for Him. Your love for the LORD is revealed by how much you are willing to sacrifice for Him. With little sacrifice is little love, but much sacrifice reveals much love. You can try to flaunt your love for God with the words that you speak, but the actions of sacrifice speak louder than the magnificence of words.

Fourth, it was the faith of giving that became the blessing. This widow’s faith was evident by the amount she gave, and it was her faith that made her more wealthy than those who gave “of their abundance.” Your faith in God’s ability to care for you is revealed in the amount you are willing to give Him financially and in effort. You will never please the LORD without giving by faith.

My friend, how wealthy are you spiritually? Let me encourage you to follow the widow’s example and trust the LORD that He will reward you for giving your all to Him.

Author: Allen Domelle