The Widow’s Mites

May 20, 2022

DAILY READING

Luke 21:1-4 (CEB)
In Jesus’s time, a mite was the very smallest of money units. The poor widow would have had no source of income after her husband’s death. Therefore the two small copper mites were all she had – and yet she offered them to God. The rich, on the other hand, had a lot of money to spare. So what they offered to God was just loose change, money they did not depend on.

The biggest hindrance to giving is fear, the fear that if we give away too much, we won’t have enough for ourselves and those we love. When we give sacrificially above and beyond what is comfortable and easy, we are showing faith in God to provide for us, trusting Him with what we have. Dr. King’s words ring true that we have to take the first giving step, make the first move; only then will we recognize it is better to give than to receive and have enough faith that God will take care of us.

FAMILY FIELD TALK

A penny is today’s mite. Think about this old saying: “A penny is a lot of money, if you have not got a penny.” What does this means? What do you do with any pennies you find? Do you think you know of some who could use your pennies because they don’t have any? Perhaps you can start saving your pennies (nickels and dimes, and quarters, too) for someone or a special project that means a lot to you and will use your pennies to benefit those in need.

PRAYER GUIDE

Dear Gracious Lord, Please help us to give with our hearts cheerfully, unselfishly, and generously. In Your Son’s Name. Amen.