What other scriptures emphasize giving from the heart rather than abundance? A widow’s generosity sets the standard (Luke 21:4) “For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Companion scene in Mark 12:44 “For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.” Old-Testament calls to heart-level giving • Exodus 25:2 — “You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.” • Deuteronomy 15:10 — “Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grudging when you give to him.” • 1 Chronicles 29:9, 14, 17 — Israel rejoices “for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD… everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand… You test the heart and delight in uprightness.” • Proverbs 3:9 — “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” • Proverbs 11:24-25 — “One gives freely, yet gains even more… a generous man will be refreshed.” • Psalm 51:17 — “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” New-Testament reinforcement • Matthew 6:3-4 — “When you give… let your giving be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” • John 12:3 — Mary’s costly perfume poured out in love, not calculation. • 2 Corinthians 8:3-5 — Macedonian believers “gave according to their ability and even beyond it, of their own accord… first to the Lord.” • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 — “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give… for God loves a cheerful giver.” • Philippians 4:18 — Paul calls the Philippians’ gift “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” Shared threads that run through these passages • God measures generosity by motive, not amount. • Giving that costs us personally reveals love and trust. • Willing, joyful offerings delight the Lord more than compulsory gifts. • Heart-driven generosity is an act of worship and a fragrant sacrifice. • Those who give this way experience God’s faithful provision and spiritual abundance. Living it out today • Start with gratitude for what God has given; giving flows naturally from a thankful heart. • Ask, “Does this gift represent faith and love, or spare change after I’m comfortable?” • Give quietly, trusting God to see and reward. • Look for opportunities where the amount feels small but the sacrifice feels real—mirroring the widow’s two small coins. |
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