On the More than Conquerors DVD I recently saw an extraordinary account of a destitute Christian in Burundi who had no offering to give. And sold herself into lifelong slavery on the tea plantation so she had something to place on the altar. That calculation haunts me.

It seems to me that Jesus has very little to do with religion. The religious person keeps the rules and gives a tithe but that’s not what the realtionship with God is about. Religion tells you how to be “safe” with God; Jesus wants people to be fully involved with God as God is fully imvolved with them.

This is such a well known verse and yet reading it today challenges me afresh. It’s the extent of her generosity that makes me realize that I often give out of my abundance. Not to say that it’s not often sacrificial and indeed generous but in reality when I consider going out to eat , cinema, concert or having a new CD, book or item of clothing I do not ask for permission from God. Nor do I consider all the world’s need when I’m signing my boys up for holiday soccer school ( surprisingly expensive). And here is a poor lady who gives her all! Thought provoking, but then life is short!

Jesus neither commends the widow’s action, nor criticises it.  Rather, he condemns the scribes who “devour widow’s houses” (20:47), dress ostentatiously, love to be seen together in public, and take the best seats at feasts and the synagogue.
The temple coffers should benefit the poor and needy, not tax them to adorn the building and support a self-serving religious elite.  Anyway, before long the temple itself will be destroyed.
Give sacrificially, yes, but “The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalm 51:17 RSV)

I think this is one of the most difficult areas of Jesus’ fellowship - to give to to others when we may need the money ourselves.  I suppose the question can focus on what the money is for.  It if is to “treat” ourselves then surely we need to think of those who are worse off but how difficult it is to do this in a society and culture which encourages us to put ourselves first.

Only God knows our individual circumstances and what the meaning of our giving is. We have just completed roof and building repairs and it has been inspiring to see the generosity - and sometimes ingenuity - of those involved in giving. I don’t know people’s financial circumstances but I believe that for many in the congregation there has been sacrificial giving. Perhaps it wasn’t instead of food on the table, but it was instead of a holiday, or clothes or some other treat. Our fellowship has benefitted as a result not just the building.

Our own life is a gift from God. If we take that seriously, surely we have a duty to be there for others.

Many years ago, in order to finish a college course I had to attend a weeks summer school. With 3 children in boarding school (of necessity) we certainly could not afford it. The local Vicar, who took an interest in what I was doing paid for this week out of his ‘clergy ‘slush fund’. For many years now I have worked for the church and am eternally grateful for this unconditional outpouring of generosity when We, as a family, needed it the most.

God will not judge us by results, but by the intentions of our heart, do we should not dismiss any good work as trivial.

I have heard criticism of the work of Mother Theresa, saying that she did too little to make significant impact on the suffering poor of this world.  I am certain that God sees things very differently.

Today we are challenged to think about the abundance of what God has given us: the abundance of his love, of material wealth, of talents, of skills. God gives us that abundance with no strings attached. He doesn’t require us to use it for any particular purpose. The choice is ours. Do we use that abundance as God would wish? or do we use it for oursleves? This week we have the example of the widow who gives all she has and puts her daily needs in the hands of a heavenly father she trusts and of Jesus who gives all that he has - his life - as a love offering to the world. The choice is ours.