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Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” He could have well learned this lesson from what Jesus taught His disciples. In Mark Chapter 12, we read, “Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” This poor woman gave more than the others because she gave sacrificially from her heart. God honors that kind of giving. The rich often give to gain recognition, power, or to boost their self-esteem. This poor widow did what a certain rich ruler refused to do. He asked Jesus what he needed to do to gain eternal life. Jesus told him to sell his wealth, give to the poor, and come follow him. Jesus pointed out the young man’s self-centered attitude, and he walked away sad—unwilling to surrender both his heart and his money to Christ. He failed to realize that it is not the amount we give that commends us to God. God looks at the heart of the giver.
