The Widow’s Offering
April 19th, 2008
We all know the story of The Widow’s Offering, Mark 12:41. How would you feel if you have to show your givings? Would you be embarrassed? Would you feel ashamed, proud? The widow felt inadequate, but her gift was the greatest of all because she gave all she had. I don’t believe God wants us to give away everything we have and live on the streets in hunger. What He does want is for us to give to those less fortunate. There’s always one more needy than ourselves. The bum on the street with only a crust of bread still shares with the mouse.
Giving doesn’t always have to be money. The most memorable gifts are non-material. God gave the greatest gift, His son, so that we may live. One of the lessons he wants us to learn is to give of ourselves and give gifts with meaning. Gifts from the heart has more value than any amount of gold. As you go about your life this week following Easter, think of ways you can better someone’s life. Make it a goal to give once a week.
Babysit for the new mother so that she may sleep.
Read to the elderly man who can no longer see.
Volunteer to walk the homeless dogs at the animal shelter
Brighten a person’s day with a flower or other gourmet and food gifts
Clean the injured lady’s house
Tithing 10% of your income is requested, even required in some religions. This money is allocated for the running of the Church. It pays for repairs, utilities, taxes, educational materials and Pastor/Priest income. 10% isn’t as bad as it sounds. If your weekly paycheck is $450.00 a week, then your weekly tithe would be $45.00. It is very doable and well worth it. A good Church is more valuable than a $45.00 supper at a restaurant. If a tithing cannot be made one week due to hardships, it is understandable and forgivable. There are other ways you can assist your place of worship.
Offer to clean weekly
Take on secretarial duties.
Teach Sunday School
Make deliveries to homebound members of the congregation
Donate unneeded clothing
The church accommodates all who need it’s services. No one is ever turned away for lack of money. Don’t let tithing keep you from attending. Giving comes in many forms. As long as you make an effort to give in some way, you are living by God’s standards.