Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
I think we see two things in this small piece of Scripture. First, the spirit in which something is given is of tremendous importance to Jesus. A gift given begrudgingly, or for the sake of self-importance, loses so much of its value. Second, there is the sacrifice which it involves. That which appears to be miniscule to one person could be everything that another has to give. The widow gave what appeared to be very little, but in the eyes of Jesus was reckless generosity.
I remember saving up to buy a present for my wife. It took such a long time to accumulate the funds. I had to work doubly hard and go without some of the regular lifestyle choices I usually made. It really hurt – it cost something to give that gift. This is how Jesus saw the gift given by the widow. Probably left in poverty through the death of her husband, she gave all she had.
I think being a servant in God’s Kingdom requires us to think about our generosity of spirit. Why do we give what we do and what does it really cost us? Isaac Watts describes this so clearly in his hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: ‘Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.’
Dear God, I pray for a generous and humble spirit. Help me, like the widow, to be extravagant in my generosity, seeking only to serve you, not motivated by other people's applause. Amen.
Nigel Langford is Bible Society's Head of Church Relations
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