1 Kings 17:8-16
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44
watch this short episode above on generosity.
Introduction
Today, our theme for reflection is "Generosity." When we think about generosity, we often focus on giving something valuable, whether it’s our time, resources, or love. But true generosity goes deeper. It’s an attitude of the heart—a willingness to give, even sacrificially, because we trust that God will provide.
Through our readings, we’ll see different dimensions of generosity: a widow who shares her last meal, Jesus who gives Himself for us, and another widow who, though poor, offers all she has. Each true life story challenges us to examine our hearts and to see giving as an expression of trust, love, and faith in God. It is said, "It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving." Generosity is about the readiness of the heart to offer without compulsion but with trust in God.
Generosity is Trust
In 1 Kings 17, we meet the widow of Zarephath, a woman at the end of her resources. She’s preparing to make a final meal for herself and her son, fully expecting that it will be their last. Then Elijah, the prophet, comes with an incredible request: he asks her to give the little that she has left.
Imagine the dilemma she faced! It would have been natural to refuse. She had every reason to hold on to what little she had for herself and her child. But instead, she chose to trust God, to trust the word of the prophet, and to give generously. And what happened? God provided. Her act of faith and generosity opened the door for God’s blessing: “The jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry” (1 Kings 17:16).
The widow’s trust in God was foundational to her generosity. Generosity isn’t always about giving what we don’t need. Mostly, it’s about trusting that God will sustain us, even when we give sacrificially. True generosity often means stepping into the unknown, letting go of our fears, and trusting in God’s faithfulness. Are you generous because you trust in God?
Generosity is Sacrifice
In Hebrews reading, we see a different kind of generosity. Jesus’ life and ministry are the ultimate model of sacrificial giving. The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as our high priest, the one who didn’t merely bring an offering but 'became' the offering. His life on earth - birth, suffering to cross, death, resurrection, and ascension is known to us as the 'Passion of Christ.' Jesus didn’t give from His abundance; He gave His very life. He didn’t withhold anything, going to the cross to redeem us, giving Himself once and for all. Generosity is about sacrifice.
This is sacrificial generosity. It’s giving that costs something, often dearly. Jesus’ gift of Himself was more than symbolic; it was life-giving. His sacrifice brings us freedom, forgiveness, and access to God. His act of generosity teaches us that true giving is costly. But at that cost, it brings life, redemption, and transformation.
Jesus’ sacrifice also reminds us of the reason behind our giving. We don’t give to earn human favour or approval—we give out of gratitude for what God has already done for us through Christ. Jesus gave His life freely for us, and out of that place of love and gratitude, we too are called to live generously.
Generosity is Surrender
Our final reading from Mark brings us back to the simple but powerful act of generosity by a poor widow. As Jesus watched people putting money into the temple treasury, many wealthy people contributed large sums, which surely impressed those around them. But Jesus noticed the small act of the widow who put in just two small coins—“all she had to live on” (Mark 12:44). In Jesus’ eyes, her gift was greater than all the others combined.
Why? Because her giving was not about the amount, but about her heart. The widow’s offering wasn’t just sacrificial—it was a surrender. She gave everything, trusting completely in God’s provision. In contrast to those who gave from their abundance, she gave out of her poverty. Her heart was wholly given to God, and she trusted Him to take care of her needs.
This story reminds us that true generosity doesn’t depend on how much we give, but on how deeply we surrender to God. Sometimes we may feel that our contributions, whether time, talent, or treasure, are too small to make a difference. But God looks at the heart. He honours the gifts that come from a place of trust, humility, and surrender.
Living Out a Generous Life Today
These three stories illustrate that true generosity is not about what we give, but about how and why we give. It’s about trusting God to provide, even when we feel we have little; it’s about being willing to sacrifice, even when it’s costly; and it’s about surrendering our hearts fully to God.
So, how can we live out this kind of generosity in our lives today?
1. Trust God with What You Have - A Generous Heart.
Like the widow of Zarephath, start with what you have, even if it feels small. Offer it to God, and trust that He can multiply it. Small acts of kindness, a little time to listen to someone or a small financial gift can all become expressions of God’s love and provision.
2. Embrace Generous Sacrifice as Part of Your Faith:
Following Jesus means being willing to give sacrificially, even when it costs us (Matt. 8:20-22). This might mean letting go of our comfort, our resources, or our time. Sacrifice deepens our faith, and in God’s hands, it brings life and transformation to others.
3. Generously Surrender Everything to God
True generosity isn’t just an act; it’s a lifestyle of surrender. Like the widow with her two coins, offer your whole self to God. It’s about letting go of our need to control and choosing instead to trust fully in God’s goodness and provision.
Conclusion
Generosity is the overflow of a heart that is filled with gratitude, trust, and love for God. It’s a way of living that declares, “God, I trust you. I believe that you will provide for me. I want to be a blessing to others, as you have blessed me.”
Precious one, may we let these true life experiences challenge and inspire us to live with open hands and open hearts. May we be generous people—not just in what we give, but in how we give, trusting that God will take our offerings, multiply them, and use them to bring His love and life into the world. Amen.
Shalom aleikhem...
