---THE BLESSING OF
----GIVING ~~

--Mark 12:38-44
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It is more blessed to
give than to receive.
----ACTS 20:35
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IT MADE NO SENSE for a widow to donate her last few coins to a corrupt institution in Jerusalem, where scribes who were dependent on those gifts "devour[ed] widows' houses" (Mark 12:40). But in that woman's act, Jesus saw a moving display of the proper attitude toward money (vv.41-44).

Gordon Cosby, while serving as pastor in Washington, DC, tells of a widow whose income was barely adequate to feed and clothe her six children. Yet every week she faithfully placed $4 in the offering plate. A deacon suggested that Cosby go to her and assure her that she could use the money instead for her family's benefit.

Cosby followed the deacon's advice--to his regret, "You are trying to take away the last thing that gives me dignity and meaning," she said. She had learned a key to giving: It can benefit the giver more than the receiver. Yes, those in poverty need financial help. But the need to give may be as important as the need to receive.

The act of giving reminds us that we live by God's grace--like the birds and the flowers. They don't worry; neither should we. Giving offers us a way to express our confidence that God will care for us just as He cares for the sparrow and the lily (Matt. 6:25-34).

-Whatever, Lord, we lend to Thee,
Repaid a thousand-fold will be;
Then gladly will we give to Thee,
Who givest all--who givest all.
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---THE LORD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER. HE OWNS THE CATTLE ON A THOUSAND HILLS. WE WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO OUTGIVE GOD, YET WE OBEY TO 'BRING ALL THE TITHES INTO THE STOREHOUSE.' (MALACHI 3:10) ~~~

---ODB/PY