2 Corinthians 8:3
For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave voluntarily.
These ancient believers exemplified a remarkable giving principle. Note first that they voluntarily gave according to their ability. This is very instructive, beloved, because much of our service to God is disproportionate to our capacity.
Remember the story of the Widow’s Offering? ‘Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-all she had to live on.”‘ (Mark 12:43-44).
Observe that Jesus actually took time to watch everybody’s offering in the temple treasury. Likewise, our giving today is not anonymous as many like to think! God takes personal interest in our contributions to His mission, beloved. Our giving is an integral part of our worship and it matters to God.
Understand that Jesus had nothing against the large amounts rich people gave in the temple. Neither was He impressed with the poor widow’s minuscule offering as such (see Mark 12:41-42). Rather, Jesus’ assessment was based on both the quantity as well as the proportionality. He considered the amount given in relation to the giver’s balance sheet. That is why the poor widow’s small offering weighed more in God’s eyes.
Beloved, today let us do a self-audit of our giving performance, not just in terms of quantity but in terms of proportionality. Let your financial worship match your financial capacity. It matters to God. It should also to you and me.
Pastor Josh