A Heart of Gratitude
Luke 21:1-4 (ESV)
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Reflection
The widow's offering is one of my favorite stories from the Bible. Her act of faith and sacrifice is a powerful reminder of the importance of giving from the heart, even when we may not have much to give. A few years ago, I witnessed a beautiful example of this giving when I watched my longtime friend give an extra dollar (a dollar she did not have to spare) to a children's hospital campaign while checking out at Dollar General. I couldn't help but wonder why she did that when she was desperately struggling herself and barely making ends meet. But as I thought about it more, I realized that her act of giving wasn't just about the money. It was a reflection of her heart and her gratitude for the blessings she did have. She gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all. She gave all she had with love, as she knew that even a small donation could make a difference in the lives of the children who would benefit from the campaign. "Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them."
My friend’s generosity challenged me to examine my own heart and attitude toward giving. And let me tell you, I needed to investigate my heart. Am I giving out of obligation, or with a heart of gratitude? Am I willing to give sacrificially, even when it's difficult? Am I willing to give all I have, even if I have little to live on?
What a beautiful reminder that it's not the amount we give that matters, but the heart behind the giving. When we share with a heart of gratitude, we're not just making a difference in the lives of others, we're also cultivating a positive mindset that spills over into every area of our lives. The smallest act of giving can make a difference in someone else's life. We may think our contributions are insignificant, but God sees the heart behind our giving and can use even the smallest gift to accomplish His purposes. So, let's follow the example of my friend and the widow in Luke 21:1-4, and give with a grateful and generous heart, trusting in God's provision and faithfulness.
Action Steps
Approach giving with a heart filled with gratitude, recognizing God's unwavering provision and faithfulness in your life. Acknowledge that everything you possess is a gift from Him, and it is your responsibility to use these gifts wisely. Rather than dwelling on what you lack, focus on what you have and how you can contribute today.
Prayer
Lord, help me to examine my heart and attitude toward giving. Transform my heart to trust in Your provision and faithfulness, so that I give with a heart of gratitude. Transform me. I pray this in Your mighty name, amen.
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Reflection
The widow's offering is one of my favorite stories from the Bible. Her act of faith and sacrifice is a powerful reminder of the importance of giving from the heart, even when we may not have much to give. A few years ago, I witnessed a beautiful example of this giving when I watched my longtime friend give an extra dollar (a dollar she did not have to spare) to a children's hospital campaign while checking out at Dollar General. I couldn't help but wonder why she did that when she was desperately struggling herself and barely making ends meet. But as I thought about it more, I realized that her act of giving wasn't just about the money. It was a reflection of her heart and her gratitude for the blessings she did have. She gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all. She gave all she had with love, as she knew that even a small donation could make a difference in the lives of the children who would benefit from the campaign. "Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them."
My friend’s generosity challenged me to examine my own heart and attitude toward giving. And let me tell you, I needed to investigate my heart. Am I giving out of obligation, or with a heart of gratitude? Am I willing to give sacrificially, even when it's difficult? Am I willing to give all I have, even if I have little to live on?
What a beautiful reminder that it's not the amount we give that matters, but the heart behind the giving. When we share with a heart of gratitude, we're not just making a difference in the lives of others, we're also cultivating a positive mindset that spills over into every area of our lives. The smallest act of giving can make a difference in someone else's life. We may think our contributions are insignificant, but God sees the heart behind our giving and can use even the smallest gift to accomplish His purposes. So, let's follow the example of my friend and the widow in Luke 21:1-4, and give with a grateful and generous heart, trusting in God's provision and faithfulness.
Action Steps
Approach giving with a heart filled with gratitude, recognizing God's unwavering provision and faithfulness in your life. Acknowledge that everything you possess is a gift from Him, and it is your responsibility to use these gifts wisely. Rather than dwelling on what you lack, focus on what you have and how you can contribute today.
Prayer
Lord, help me to examine my heart and attitude toward giving. Transform my heart to trust in Your provision and faithfulness, so that I give with a heart of gratitude. Transform me. I pray this in Your mighty name, amen.
Recent
Archive
2025
January
A New Heart and SpiritSowing in Tears, Reaping in JoyFrom the Pit to a New SongNo Other God's Before MeSeek First the KingdomStoring Treasures in HeavenServing One MasterTrusting God with EverythingThe Power of InfluenceRelationships That InfluenceFinding Godly FriendsIron Sharpens IronSpeaking Truth In LovePrioritizing God's PresenceChoosing the Better PortionLiving With Eternal PerspectiveCreating Margin For God's PurposesBearing Fruit Through AbidingReleasing the Past, Embracing God's FutureTransformed By God's LoveOur Past And A Hope For A FutureEmbracing Our New Identity In ChristRunning The Race Of Perseverance
February
Generosity Begins With PriorityThe Heart of GivingTithing as an Act of FaithThe Blessing of GenerosityTrusting God's FaithfulnessSeeing Yourself Through Jesus' EyesThe Power of Jesus' CallFrom Broken to BlessedEmpowered for PurposeHope for the FutureGod Knows Your NeedBringing Your Needs to JesusFaith in the Face of ImpossibilityJesus' Power Over Death and DiseaseTestimony of God's FaithfulnessCreated For A PurposeCompassion In ActionOvercoming Fear To Share HopeMeeting Needs To Show LoveAnswering the Call
March
HosannaWhat a MiracleI Speak Jesus InhabitJesus Over EverythingThe Risky Call of DiscipleshipGod's Presence in Our VulnerabilityThe Sword of TruthThe Power of Small Acts of KindnessEnduring Faith in the Face of AdversityGod's Perfect TimingAnswering the CallEmpowered for ServiceEmbracing God's Greater PurposeFaithfulness in TrialsAnswering God's CallOvercoming Doubt and FearPerseverance in ObedienceGod's Faithfulness in Our JourneyMountaintop Experiences and Everyday Faith The Danger of Covetousness
2024
January
My Only AimRun to WinSetting Aside the Good for the BestDon’t Lose HeartFight the Good FightReflecting on Finishing Well…Not The Year But LifeLook UpPurposed in My HeartA Life of PrayerTo the Left or to the Right Seeking Godly CounselThe Word of the LordReflecting on Looking UpLooking BackGod is FaithfulSpiritual EyesRememberWorthy of PraiseThrough All GenerationsReflecting on Looking BackLook DownMoments of TruthThink It ThroughGod-Centered DecisionsLive Without Regrets Heartbreaking HindsightReflecting on Looking DownLooking ForwardA Solemn WarningSeeking God’s WillLearning What Is Good
No Comments