Scripture Scribbles: November 10, 2024

the Gospel

Mark 12:41-44

Jesus sat down opposite the treasury
and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. 
Many rich people put in large sums. 
A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.
Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them,
"Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more
than all the other contributors to the treasury.
For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,
her whole livelihood."

the scribble

Giving until it hurts.

Ouch! This is painful.

It could be painful because first, sometimes we give too much until it hurts; yet we don't receive anything in return. In short, we give because we expect a reward or something.

Second, we give because it's just for showmanship. We want to brag that we are capable of giving or we can give so much.

Third, we give out of a misguided sense of duty. We do so because it's only an obligation.

Fourth, we also give for motives that are far from pure. True or false?

The gospel about the poor widow who gave all the money she has teaches us so much about how we should give. No matter the amount, no matter our circumstances, we should give from the heart. Because only then can we please God with our gifts.

I believe that giving until it hurts is fine, as long as we know why we're giving something and how we're giving it.

Our pain may be the result of someone else's ingratitude or selfishness. But this is okay. Let's continue to give just the same. After all, can we even remember how many times have we've hurt our divine provider, our Father?

Still, God and Jesus Christ provided us the best examples of giving. God gave us Jesus Christ and Jesus lay down his life for us.

Dear God, thank you. Thank you Father, for teaching us how to give. Please help us to give more selflessly and wholeheartedly. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Edwina Yu