Each one of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV)
Peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches again. It was an ordinary school night. I was making lunches as the kids were packing up their book bags. With a quick glance at the school calendar I remind the kids to get their donation together. Our children’s school supports three orphans in Uganda via the ministry, “The Widow’s Might.” Rachel routinely prays for Doreen, Moses, and Sam. Rachel asked for her birthday money. “How much do you want to give?” I ask. “All of it.” she replied.
“All of it?” I repeat. “Are you sure, honey?” “Yes, all $20.99.” she smiles. As I turn to place the lunches in the fridge, I see the handmade sign that we posted on our fridge over 6 months ago. The sign reads: Think! How can we be RADICAL givers? I am such a hypocrite. I’m the one always reminding our family “you can’t out give God.” I make signs to remind our family to be radical givers, but then question my eight-year-old daughter wants to donate all her birthday money
Oftentimes, my children serve as the best teacher. I crawl into bed with a heavy heart. Why was I being so selfish? I opened my bible and God’s word fell open to Luke 21. My eye immediately focused on these words: But she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.
Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.: ( Luke 21:1-4, NIV)
Lord, forgive me for questioning her gift. Lord, forgive me for thinking she should keep some money for herself. Thank you for her radical giving!
Jesus always notices the small offerings.
Jesus always also sees the giving also done in secret.
Jesus always notices those who throw everything they’ve got into the Lord’s work.
~April
“May you and I be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:12 www.redchairmoments.blogspot.com redchairmoments@gmail.com