Hope for your financial life and beyond

Proof It’s the Thought That Counts

Hidden Nuggets Series #58 – “Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.” – Acts 11:29 

two penniesThe reign of Claudius Caesar, the fifth Emperor of Rome, was marked by a series of famines. Several touched the city of Rome, one occurred in Greece and another impacted the countryside of Judea in Israel. It is to the last famine listed that the Bible specifically speaks.

We are told that when this famine in Judea occurred, the leaders of the church decided to send assistance to the region. We can only assume this meant food and supplies, as money would have been quite useless during a time when there was so little to buy. Once accumulated, the supplies were sent to those in need by the hands of the missionaries Paul and Barnabas.

What’s remarkable is that there was no squabbling on who was sending what or how much. The Bible says each person determined to send relief “according to his ability.” In other words, people gave what they could – some gave more…others less.

Thus proving that when giving it’s the thought that counts.

Taking Their Cue From a Poor Widow

I can’t help but wonder whether the attitude of these believers didn’t originate from the example a poor widow set only a few years earlier.

One day during his ministry, Jesus sat in the temple and observed people coming to give money to the temple treasury. Many rich people came and gave of their abundance (some of which made sure people knew they were giving a lot).

But then a poor widow happens by. She reaches into her sack and pulls out a measly two mites, barely enough money to cause a change in the balance sheet of the treasury. She deposits it nonetheless and goes her way.

Upon seeing this action, Jesus…

“called his disciples to Himself and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.’” (Mark 12:43-44)

Even a Little Can Help

It would be good for us to follow the example of the widow and those who sent relief to the famine stricken residents of Judea. Neither was individually concerned about the amount they were giving. They were just giving out of a heart felt desire to honor God and bless those around them.

Sometimes I get caught believing that if I can’t give a lot then I won’t give at all. “What good will giving ten dollars do for that charity?” I tell myself. It won’t make a dent, so why give it?

If I’m being honest, the issue really isn’t with the amount I’m giving. It’s become my attitude about giving in general. Just like the rich people in the temple who gave and made sure everyone knew about it, I’ve put the focus on myself not on the needs of others. I’m thinking, “What can I do?” or  “What can I get out of this?” instead of “How will this help others?”

So it doesn’t matter whether you plan to give a lot out of your abundance or give a little out of your poverty. Both the small and the big gift will have an impact.

And perhaps in the end the greatest impact will be on your heart, as it reaps the emotional rewards of influencing other people’s lives.

Have you ever fallen for the notion that small gifts don’t really matter? What is your favorite charity or cause to give to? How can we make sure that giving doesn’t become about us?

Image at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Next Post: Give the Gift of Investing This Holiday Season

Prior Post: Is Your Credit Score Simply a Measure of How Much You Love Debt?

I hope you enjoyed that post. Want more?
Sign up to receive my blog posts via email and get your free gift...
99 Ways to Spend Less and Save More

Privacy Guarantee: I will not share your email with anyone.

Comments

  1. Jayson @ Monster Piggy Bank says

    It’s hard to entrust our money to total strangers. However, there are times when I feel the need to give and this is the time that it’s not about the money but the thought that counts. That being said, I normally give more.

  2. I don’t give small amounts. I don’t think they do much good (maybe I’m wrong) but what I personally am more comfortable is saving up our donations until it’s a fairly hefty sum and then I give it to one individual, e.g. an elderly person who needs their rent paid or a parent who needs a serious car repair.

  3. It hasn’t stopped me, but I still feel kind of guilty only donating a really small amount, especially when you see those sites that have scrolling amounts. But I can’t take care of someone else if I don’t take care of myself first.

  4. “How can we make sure that giving doesn’t become about us?”

    Well – You can’t draw a straight line where the sea meets the sand, but you know when your feet are wet!

    YKWIM?

  5. At first I felt a little conflicted with how to split our budgeted gifting amount between charities that meant a lot to me but as you wrote whether the gift is small or large, it does have a tangible impact. We split our monthly donations between the ASPCA and the Red Cross.

  6. This is a really great, fresh reminder of the importance of giving. Especially as we approach the holidays, I believe it’s important to remember that giving is what the season is about. Of course, your financial foundation needs to be set first. I’m currently “living like no one else so later I can live and give like no one else”, to use Dave Ramsey’s words.

    • “Of course, your financial foundation needs to be set first.” That’s true and I realize what you are getting at there. No issues with that statement. Some might use that as an excuse though not to give – “I can’t give until I make more” or “I can’t give until I pay off this debt.” Even the poor widow gave out of her dire financial situation.

  7. I agree. Sometimes I just give $5.00 to certain charities that I don’t normally give to, but I see a need. My little $5.00 added to everybody else’s money makes for a substantial gift to that charity. We give to World Vision and Far Reaching.

    • “…added to everybody else’s money…” Yes!…That’s what people really overlook Yvette. It’s the same principle as voting…one vote given by a million different people adds up to a lot of votes.

Speak Your Mind

*