The Heart of Giving
"Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury..." Mark 12:41
Bible text reading: Mark 12:41-44
Dear reader, notice how it says "Jesus...saw how the people put money into the treasury."(v.41) You may also note that the giving in this passage does not so much reflect how much, but rather "how" the people gave. Indeed, "the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."(1 Samuel 16:7)
Jesus knew that the widow "out of her poverty, gave all that she had, her whole livelihood."(v.44) This kind of kingdom giving exceeds the giving that is given out of ones abundance, for the rich person knows that there will always be plenty left over. To put this into context of a follower of Christ, are we not to give our all to the One who loved us and gave Himself for us?
Earlier on in Mark's Gospel, we read about the rich young ruler in chapter ten. The young man did well in keeping all those commandments from his youth, but we discover that his first love was found in his "great possessions” rather than God.
"Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack; Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come take up the cross, and follow Me." But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." - Mark 10:21,22
Perhaps the Lord, as Dr. Billy Graham once once put it, would not have made the young ruler sell all his possessions after all, but simply wanted to test him to see what was in his heart. Indeed, the Lord did expose the heart of a person He loved that sadly revealed a love that was not directed back to Him.
Whether it be monetary wealth or spiritual gifts and talents - to whom much is given much will be required. Dear follower of Christ, let this truth also not escape your conscious heart that has been and is being awakened day by day to God's love.
However much we have been given by God, may we always give to the glory of God, whether it be for the edification of the saints or for the advancement of His kingdom. Above all, may we always give with a thankful heart that says with the Psalmist:
"What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD." - Psalm 116:12,13
Bible text reading: Mark 12:41-44
Dear reader, notice how it says "Jesus...saw how the people put money into the treasury."(v.41) You may also note that the giving in this passage does not so much reflect how much, but rather "how" the people gave. Indeed, "the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."(1 Samuel 16:7)
Jesus knew that the widow "out of her poverty, gave all that she had, her whole livelihood."(v.44) This kind of kingdom giving exceeds the giving that is given out of ones abundance, for the rich person knows that there will always be plenty left over. To put this into context of a follower of Christ, are we not to give our all to the One who loved us and gave Himself for us?
Earlier on in Mark's Gospel, we read about the rich young ruler in chapter ten. The young man did well in keeping all those commandments from his youth, but we discover that his first love was found in his "great possessions” rather than God.
"Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack; Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come take up the cross, and follow Me." But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." - Mark 10:21,22
Perhaps the Lord, as Dr. Billy Graham once once put it, would not have made the young ruler sell all his possessions after all, but simply wanted to test him to see what was in his heart. Indeed, the Lord did expose the heart of a person He loved that sadly revealed a love that was not directed back to Him.
Whether it be monetary wealth or spiritual gifts and talents - to whom much is given much will be required. Dear follower of Christ, let this truth also not escape your conscious heart that has been and is being awakened day by day to God's love.
However much we have been given by God, may we always give to the glory of God, whether it be for the edification of the saints or for the advancement of His kingdom. Above all, may we always give with a thankful heart that says with the Psalmist:
"What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD." - Psalm 116:12,13
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