Give Till It Hurts

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.

2 Corinthians 9:6

WHEN IT COMES TO GIVING financially to God’s work, we’ve all heard the story of the poor widow who dropped two tiny coins into the Temple treasury. Jesus saw this and told His disciples that she had given more than anybody. “They have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has” (Luke 21:4). That kind of generosity is rare. Were it not for Jesus holding her up as an example, we’d probably call her foolish for not taking care of herself first.

The widow gave until it hurt. That’s a high standard to strive to attain. The widow’s two coins have proven mighty over the last couple of millennia as an example of sacrificial giving.

Today, studies show that people continue to give sacrificially. Those who can least afford it often give the highest percentage of their income.

No matter how much you’ve given or haven’t given in the past, make it a priority, starting today, to give back to God in a way that honors Him. As God blesses us, we need to remember to bless others. The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:6 that “a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” When we give generously to God, He can bring in a huge harvest that benefits us and others far beyond the accumulation of more money.

BOTTOM LINE

Prayerfully look for specific ways to give this year that will have the greatest impact for God’s Kingdom.

Moment of Strength: Acts 20:35