Breakfast at Tiffany's: What gives?

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” Luke 21:1-4

            I can imagine the pride that swelled within the hearts of those who were giving large offerings that day, especially when they compared their gifts to that of the poor widow. I’m sure that others probably applauded the rich givers while secretly scoffing at the widow’s two measly coins. But Jesus, being God in flesh, saw the true heart of the matter. He knew that the offerings of the rich, though large, required very little sacrifice or faith because what they kept for themselves was more than enough to continue living lavishly. Many brought their gifts out of a sense of obligation, a desire to save face, or a need to be seen by others.

            I can also envision the poor widow that day, holding those two coins in her hand, and knowing she had a decision to make. She could keep what little money she had left to possibly get enough food to last a day or two. God in his compassion would surely understand and forgive her. Or, rather than putting her faith in the two coins to sustain her, she could give them to God in faith that He would make good on His promises to provide for those who uphold His Word. I can imagine the words of the prophet, Malachi, resounding in her heart as faith rose up within her: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it” (Malachi 3:10). I have no doubt that her every need was miraculously provided for, but it was her great faith that was noticed and honored by Jesus himself and written down to inspire all future generations. That, my friends, was the true increase.

             God loves it when we give him what little we have in faith that He will bring the increase. Another example of this is the boy who gave Jesus his loaves and fishes—the gift that fed thousands. Not only were the people’s physical needs provided for, but their souls were fed as well. When we give our tithes and offerings to the local church and to missions out of a cheerful heart full of faith, God promises that our every need will be met. But the most important increase that will come from our giving will be the furthering of the Kingdom—the center of God’s heart.