Changi Chapel

And He saw a certain poor widow putting in two small copper coins. Luke 21:2

First, of course, is that fact that the widow had two coins.  She could easily have said, “I’ll give half of my assets to God.”  Fifty percent!  How many of us even come close to such a sum?  If someone came to us and said, “I want to give half of my finances to the Lord,” we would be amazed. 

Certainly no one would have begrudged the widow keeping only half.  The opportunity was there, but she didn’t take it. She gave it all.  Everything!  Why? 

The only reasonable answer is that she had utter confidence that God would care for her.  No one would give it all unless God’s sovereign care dominated that person’s faith.  The watchword of such faith is trust.  Period! 

Most of us would call such a woman an absolute fool.  A widow – that means no human support, without property rights, left to fend for herself.  No welfare, no social services – you get the idea.  Without trust in God, she dies.

As I write this short study, I feel that same condemnation.  I don’t give from my need.  I give from my excess. 

Agape is benevolence toward others at the cost to myself.

God looks at the proportion more than the portion of what we give – how do you and I measure up today?

Skip Moen
Bible Teacher/Author

© Skip Moen