Mark 12:41-44
And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

The same divide exists between rich and poor.  There are many who have much and can give much and then have much left over.  Then there are those who have very little.  They can only give little, and then they have little or nothing left for themselves.  Perhaps, then, there is also a difference in the significance in making such an offering.  It takes great faith to have to give all in order to be able to give anything at all.  It perhaps takes great love for someone to give what they do have knowing they will have nothing left to keep.  It takes great courage to give the last little bit to God rather than trying to hoard it for themselves.

It may seem insignificant to give such a small amount, but to Jesus here, it meant everything.  He knew the heart it was given with and the circumstances of the person who gave.  So in the end, the poor widow is really the one who gave much, for she truly gave all.  She gave with a heart of faith and love, and that is always evident to Jesus.

So what does our giving look like?  Whether we are rich or poor, it is not the amount that matters.  It is the heart behind what we give and why.  It doesn’t matter how many resources we have.  What matters is the value they have, the prominence they hold, whether we are willing to give them at all, or if they hold too much weight in our hearts.  It’s about moving past pride in giving much or shame in giving little and simply giving joyfully to God out of love and thankfulness.