Giving is often associated with abundance. Many people feel they can give only when they have a lot, when they are overflowing, or after all their personal needs have been met. But the Bible shows a different standard: giving is not about the amount, but the heart.
Jesus Himself highlighted this when He watched people giving offerings in the Temple. Many rich people put in a lot of money, but then came a poor widow who gave only two very small copper coins. Then Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. For they all gave out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on” (Luke 21:3-4).
In God’s eyes, the value of an offering is not measured by its size, but by sacrifice and sincerity of heart. That poor widow gave not because she had extra, but because she trusted that God was able to care for her life. Giving when we have much may feel easy, but giving when we feel lacking reveals true faith.
We can learn that giving does not always have to be material. Time, attention, prayer, strength, even a listening ear for someone else’s complaints, all of these can also be precious gifts. The Lord values every small gift that comes from a loving heart.
Giving when we do not have plenty also trains us not to be enslaved by fear of lack. The world teaches us to hoard in order to feel safe, but God teaches us that His blessing is not limited. Remember the Israelites who received manna in the wilderness. They were not allowed to store it up, but were to gather only enough each day, and God was always faithful to provide (Exodus 16). When we dare to give in the midst of lack, we are learning to trust that God is a Source that never runs dry.
This does not mean we give carelessly without wisdom, but a heart willing to share will always bring joy. Paul even wrote that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). That means the Lord is not demanding the size of the gift, but the willingness of the heart in giving.
Today, let us reflect: are we delaying giving simply because we feel we do not have enough yet? Remember, God’s measure is different from the world’s measure. Giving from limitation can be far more valuable than giving from abundance.
Lord, teach me to trust that You are the Source of my life. Help me not to fear lack when I want to share. Make my heart willing to give, even if it is small, as long as it is with love and faith. Amen.
