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.

God’s measure is often different than ours. Those who cast in much money may have thought they were doing such a good thing by giving so much. There was a monetary value that exceeded what others could give. They could have felt that they were greatly contributing and thus greatly pleasing God. And isn’t that how we can tend to think about things, that it is the amount that matters most?

But, as always, God does not look at the outward appearance, but He looks at the heart. He was not impressed by the large offerings of the rich people, but the small offering by the poorest widow. She gave all. She gave in faith. She gave out of love. And that is what God wants from us the most—to have our whole heart, for Him to be our focus, for us to glorify Him, believe Him, and obey Him.

So what is my heart condition? What does Jesus see when I make my offerings to Him? It’s not about the amount I give or the amount I can or can’t give. It is all about the heart behind what I am doing. Will I give as He leads? Will I give in faith, knowing and trusting that He will supply? Will I give because I love Him so much and I don’t want to hold anything back? Or does an examination of my heart reveal some pride or a selfish motive behind my giving?

Whether I will admit the truth or not, Jesus knows what is in my heart. He knows the truth of my circumstances and why I do what I do. May I strive to please God, to have a pure heart, to have full faith, and to demonstrate my love for Him. It’s not about money, but a willingness to offer all I am and all I have, the heart to surrender my entire life into God’s hands.