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My church’s pledge form had been sitting on my hall table for about a week. Each day, as I came and went, I saw the envelope and thought about all the bills I had to pay — and the tug-of-war between my financial responsibilities and my giving to the church. One morning, I read the story of the poor widow who gave her two small coins — all she had to live on. Jesus noticed her gift and said it was worth more than all the others because she gave out of her poverty, not her surplus (Mark 12:41–44; Matthew 6:2). Her trust in God was greater than her fear of scarcity. That story brought me to an important truth: we all come to Christ in spiritual poverty. We have nothing to offer in return for the gifts God gives us — only ourselves. God welcomes us, fills us with grace, and invites us to serve Him out of love, not obligation.

The Sights and Sounds of Giving in Jesus’ Day

In Jesus’ time, giving was not a quiet, private moment. It was a vivid, public act of worship. Offerings were given in the Temple, in the area known as the Court of Women, where both men and women could gather. There stood thirteen trumpet-shaped offering chests — shofaroth — each labeled for a specific purpose: temple tax, sin offerings, care for the poor, and more. The sounds were unmistakable: coins clanging against brass, Levites singing psalms with lyres and cymbals, and worshipers whispering prayers — “May the Lord remember your offering.” It was a living reminder that generosity and worship were intertwined.

Someone once said, “You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving.”

Where Our Treasure Is

There are always competing forces for our time, our attention, and our money. The question is, who or what comes first? Scripture gives us the answer: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:33 Giving is a spiritual discipline — just like prayer, worship, or reading Scripture. What we give, and how we give, reveals the devotion of our hearts. God doesn’t desire offerings given out of guilt or routine. He desires gifts offered in gratitude and love. God loves you — and He gave His Son for you.

Blessings from Pottsboro, Pastor Frank Alegria (alegria@lakewayumc.org)