Mark 12

Sacrificial Giving

Mark 12:44 “For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Every week at church, at some point during the service we are passed an offering bag for us to put our hard earned money in. Why do we do this? Why do we give to the church? Does God really need our money? These are valid questions and the Bible gives clear answers. Back in Leviticus 27:30 we are told that a tenth of all the land and all that the land produces(including income) are the Lord’s. This does not tell us to give 10% of our money but 10% of what is already God’s.

A problem that many Christians have today when it comes to giving is that they view the money that they have as theirs. James 1:17 says “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” Everything that we have is from God. We are not owners of what we have, we are stewards. Though the bank account has your name on it, it is the Lord’s money; all of it! And all He asks for in return is that we give a percentage of it.

In this account of Jesus life, the poor woman was demonstrating more faith than any of the rich people before her. By putting in all that she had, she was trusting that God would take care of her needs. God does not need our money, like He did not need to pennies that the poor woman gave, but He does want us to trust in Him and not in our money. Who are you putting your faith in? Jesus or money? Who do you trust more?

Jesus has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He has promised to take care of our needs. Do you believe that? We can trust Jesus in all areas of life, including finances. He will take care of us. You are not an owner but a steward of your money. Give back to the Lord what is already His and He will bless you!