You may hear preachers applaud this poor widow for giving her last peso to the church, but it does not say that.
The Widow’s Mite
Mark 12:41 And He (Jesus) sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. 43 Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, [z]all she had to live on.”
Yahweh praised someone who was honoring her devotion of God as Father and Supplier. This particular temple was the most corrupt in history. This same group of leaders crucified Jesus. It can hardly be called worthy of service and finances.
But in actual practice the giving of money to the church is an indication of your heart towards God. You are not required to give money to an actual building and group of leaders. The scripture says simply to give money to the storehouse, a place of provision for whatever the church needs.
Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
You may provide for a mission or as the term is now, NGO, non-governmental operation. I support water resources for the Third World.
Your donation tells God what you think of him and how you regard His benefits toward you.
Over 50 years ago I attended my Presbyterian church in Raleigh, North Carolina and heard this prayer over the offering.
No matter what we say and do, this is what we think of you, O Lord.
I was sitting in the balcony at the time, and noticed a group of women in hats. The hats flew up as he prayed. I will never forget it.
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