Luke 21

Read Luke 21 in your Bible. Or you can also read it here.

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” 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

Christmastime is about giving. People seem to be more generous around this holiday than any other time throughout the year. We give our loved ones gifts. We support charities and slip some bills in The Salvation Army’s red kettle. We make sacrifices for things that we might not normally consider during the rest of the year. We freely give, just as Christ freely gave His life for us.

I pray we can keep this Christmas spirit in our hearts all year. But giving is not just about money or gifts. We can give of our time, our help, a listening ear, and our attention. The miraculous thing about giving is that it not only blesses the recipient, but it also blesses us as well. We feel so good about helping someone.

I love this story in Luke 21 about the widow’s offering. Jesus saw her heart in what she gave, and that’s what it’s all about. The heart.

In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Paul wrote, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

What an encouraging word to help us remember to give generously! Throughout the coming year, let’s look for unique ways we can give. You can give to your spouse by cooking their favorite meal. You can give to your child by taking time to play a board game together. You can give to a coworker by helping them with a difficult project. Call someone on the phone and just listen. Buy a stranger a cup of coffee. Surprise a friend with a small gift. The possibilities are endless. When we give out of love, whether it’s money or time or anything else, we are reflecting the love of Jesus to those around us. And giving will also bring joy to our own hearts.

If you are also participating in the Gratitude Challenge, today is day 92 of 100. Keep going! The finish line is in view!

© 2021 Bridget A. Thomas