The Measure of the Heart

As Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury, He watched the crowd putting money into it. And many rich people put in large amounts. Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius.

Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
— Mark 12:41–44


As Jesus watches people bring their offerings to the temple treasury, He sees what others might overlook. Many rich individuals give large sums, impressive by human standards. But it is the poor widow—offering two small coins, all she has—who captures His heart. Her gift is not large in earthly value, but it is immeasurable in heaven’s economy. She gives not out of abundance, but out of trust, love, and sacrifice.

Jesus’ words reveal a truth that challenges every worldly standard of generosity. God does not measure the size of the gift; He measures the surrender of the heart. True giving is not about how much we have, but how deeply we trust Him with what we have. What matters most is not the quantity, but the spirit in which it is offered.

The widow’s offering teaches us that no act of love or faith is too small to matter. No gesture of compassion is wasted. She invites us to consider: are we giving from our surplus—what is easy to spare—or are we offering our hearts, our trust, our very selves to God?

Today, think about your offerings—of time, resources, compassion, presence. Are they flowing from a place of security, or from a place of deep trust and love? God honors the gift given in faith, however small it may appear to the world.

The poor widow reminds us that heaven sees differently. Heaven treasures what the world might dismiss. And Jesus, even now, watches not the hands that give the most, but the hearts that give with love.


Lord Jesus,

You see what others overlook. You honor the small gifts, the hidden sacrifices, and the humble offerings of love. Teach me to give not out of ease, but out of trust and devotion. Let my generosity flow from a heart surrendered to You. Help me to live with open hands, offering what I have, however small, in service to Your kingdom and in love for others.

I pray in Your name. Amen.

-

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