In Mark 12:44 Jesus said the poor widow gave “out of her poverty”. This is surely a landmark teaching, for if Jesus had not spoken this, we might all still believe that those who gave the largest amounts were the greatest givers. But this story, which has become so well-known, sets that idea on its ear, and has stood as a comfort, and a challenge, to our giving ever since.
It is not the amount, but the heart, and the real sacrifice involved, which matters to God. Men can give large outward gifts, from cold hearts, but they are of no value to God. But this principle should encourage the most poor and lowly among us – for it is possible for any of us to give a great treasure to God, if we will give what is a sacrifice for us, from a heart that truly loves Him.
And we should also realize that this principle is not only true for our offerings, but also for other areas of our lives as well. It is not just the outward act, but the heart, which is the true measure of devotion to God. This destroys formalism and outward literalism in religion, and reminds us that what God is looking for from us are hearts that truly love Him, and which manifest that love in their actions as well as in the sacrifice of their gifts. Not a bad reminder for many of us as we head off to worship this Sunday morning!