Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Inspire us to give graciously and selflessly, understanding that it's not the amount we give, but the attitude and love with which we give.
Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to dive into a thought-provoking passage from the book of Mark that will challenge us to reevaluate our perspective on giving. This passage is about a poor widow who, despite her poverty, gave all she had to the temple treasury. It's a story that emphasizes the power of gracious giving, the example of the poor widow, and the impact of our giving.
In Mark 12:42, it says,
"But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents."
This simple act of giving, as small as it seems, holds a powerful message for us all.
The power of gracious giving is a principle that transcends the mere act of giving and delves into the heart of the giver. This power is not about the monetary value of what we give, but rather the spirit in which we give it. It is about giving out of a heart filled with love, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others.
The poor widow is an example of this: Despite her poverty, she gave all she had to the temple treasury. She didn't give out of her abundance, but out of her poverty. She gave not because she had a lot to spare, but because she had a heart willing to give. This is the essence of gracious giving. It is giving that springs from a heart of grace, a heart that recognizes the needs of others and is moved to meet those needs, regardless of personal circumstances.
It reflects the heart of God: God Himself is a gracious giver. He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. He didn't give out of His abundance, but out of His love for us. He gave the most precious thing He had, His only Son, to save us. This is the ultimate example of gracious giving.
It has the potential to change lives: When we give graciously, we are not just giving material things. We are giving hope, love, and compassion. We are showing others that they are valued and cared for. We are demonstrating the love of Christ in a tangible way. This can have a profound impact on the lives of those we give to. It can bring hope to the hopeless, comfort to the hurting, and love to the unloved.
It brings blessings to the giver: The Bible tells us in Luke 6:38, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." This is not to say that we should give in order to receive, but rather that giving is a blessing in itself. It brings joy and fulfillment. It enriches our lives in ways that material possessions cannot.
It’s a testament to our faith: When we give graciously, we are demonstrating our trust in God. We are showing that we believe in His provision and His ability to meet our needs. We are acknowledging that everything we have comes from Him and that we are merely stewards of His resources. This is a powerful testimony to our faith and can inspire others to trust in God as well.
Despite her poverty, the widow gave all she had to the temple treasury, demonstrating a level of faith and trust that is truly inspiring ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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