It is not the one who gives large sums into the offering plate that God commends; those who give for all to see. Those who are not sacrificing a thing. But it is those who give sacrificially, secretly, or out of their poverty without anyone knowing. The Lord approves this kind of giver. He even marvels at the one who gives everything they have to live on, such as the poor widow in the verses below.
And Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny.
And He called His disciples to Him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-33
Giving is necessary for the life of the follower of Jesus Christ. We give because God gave to us. He gave everything and said that those who desire to be the greatest in His kingdom must give everything to serve Him in return.
Are you willing to give everything to Jesus? Are you ready to sacrifice your life to the Lord? He calls those who are His to give everything to Him. If you said yes to that, put into practice your faith by giving without reluctance. Give without regard for yourself. But trust in God as your provider and give with a cheerful and bountiful heart.
Jesus said, “Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” Luke 6:30
Don’t just speak with your lips that you will do this or do that. Put into action what you have committed to the Lord. Put substance to what you have pledged. If you are faithful to the Lord, your efforts will prove that you are authentic. As the Word says, “You will recognize them by their fruits.” That goes for the righteous and unrighteous. If you have a giving heart, you will not horde your wealth or even the little you might have. You will give from the goodness of your heart.
The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. All day long, he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back. Proverbs 21:25-26
I am talking about giving your wealth and financial substance, but it is so much more than just money. I am talking about giving your time, love, compassion, prayers, wisdom, teaching, instruction, and sacrificial giving. It is about the position of your heart. What sacrifices are you willing to make to help others? What you are eager to give to God in secret, He will see it and will reward you later. It is like earning an eternal paycheck. You do the hard work now, and God will make a heavenly deposit at the end of this life.
Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:2-4
Think of all the things God has poured out to you. All the things you possess are not really your own but your responsibility to use wisely. Be a good steward of what you have. God is testing you to see what you will do with it. Shouldn’t you help others by pouring out His blessings on them? Take a few minutes and muse about all the gifts God has given you and give to those in need with a sacrificial and willing heart. God desires to repay a giving heart with rich rewards. But you must decide to do it.
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
So help all the ones you can, all those God shows you to help so that your reward may be great in heaven. So many spiritual blessings are waiting for you that God has prepared, so many you couldn’t even comprehend. You may find yourself highly honored by God for giving without measure.
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
As it is written, “He has distributed freely, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
The Soul Sower 