Giving from Abundance, Giving from Lack - Crosswalk PLUS Marriage Devotional
Giving from Abundance, Giving from Lack
By: Jennifer Waddle
"Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.'" (Mark 12:43-44)
At a conference my husband and I attended last fall, each participant was gifted an antique coin resembling the widow's mite. We were surprised at how tiny the coin was, irregular in shape, and without inscription. Yet, this seemingly insignificant piece was representative of one of the most generous hearts recorded in the Bible.
During that same conference, I received an email informing me I'd lost a longtime contract as a devotional writer. The company I'd been with for years had changed leadership, and all new content had been paused without warning.
At the time, I didn't see the correlation between the widow's mite and my new financial situation. But as time went on, I sensed God asking me to be sacrificial in giving, even without the income I was used to. My sweet husband confirmed this one evening when I was having a slight meltdown. After listening patiently to all my what-ifs, he quietly said, "But that's what true generosity is—continuing to give from our lack."
After that conversation, I decided to put his words into practice, and here are a few things I learned.
Giving Is More Than Monetary
Without the contract work I'd been used to, I found myself with more time than I'd had for years. This allowed me to spend more time with family, catch up with friends, and revive creative pursuits I'd put on hold.
Through these important connections, the Lord reminded me that generosity includes not only my financial resources but my time and talent as well. Most of all, God rekindled my gifts of offering a listening ear, giving a word of encouragement, and being available to those in need.
Over the last few months, I've spent quality and quantity time with the people I love. I've had more margin to invest in my marriage. And I'm finding that even when I feel too busy to meet with people, THAT's when God calls me to connect the most.
Giving from Abundance Can Bless Many
Luke 6:38 says, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Looking back, I can see how, in times of abundance, it was easy to write that check, donate online, or buy from the kids selling candy at the door. Giving from abundance is simple and, quite honestly, doesn't take much thought.
Author and Christian financial expert Bob Lotich writes, "I believe there are lots of people who God wants to use as extravagant givers in this generation. People who will lay down their own agendas, change their pre-conceived notion of 'success,' and humbly obey what God has planned for them."
I love how he frames the concept of "success" as humbly submitting to God. When we commit our finances to the Giver of all good things - with hearts of extravagant giving - many are blessed by our generosity.
Giving from Lack Is a True Sign of Generosity
Going back to the widow in Mark chapter 12, her story is remarkable for several reasons. As Mark 12:41-42 says, "Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents."
The fact that Jesus noticed her offering tells us generosity is important to Him, and there's no coincidence that her story is included for our benefit. In Mark 12:43-44, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
The phrase, "She, out of her poverty, put in everything," leaps out most from this passage. As my husband and I learn to give from our perceived lack, we admit we are nowhere near the point of giving all we have to live on. Yet, the Lord is kind, gracious, and patient beyond understanding. He continues to refine us, calling us to trust Him with every "mite" we give. And for that, we're grateful beyond belief.
Gracious God, please help my spouse and I reframe our thinking about generosity. Open wide our hearts to give as the widow gave. Let us view money not from a selfish standpoint but from a mindset of godly stewardship. Thank You for all you've given us. We are mightily blessed, in Jesus' holy name, amen.
Application: How have times of lack prevented you from being generous? How can you and your spouse reevaluate generosity, giving freely of your time, talent, and treasure?
Challenge: The next time you do your budget, find one small area to cut, in order to bless your church, charity, or someone in need. Commit your offering to God and trust Him to bless your generosity—even in lack.
We hope you and your spouse are challenged and encouraged by today's devotional! For more of this premium marriage devotional, visit here.
