For Christian disciples, giving thanks involves acknowledging our responsibility to give. There is no simple formula for determining just how much we’re required to give. Instead, Jesus calls us to a discipleship that involves dedicating our whole lives to loving God and loving our neighbor. Certainly, it involves more than giving money. However, Scripture and history teach us that money is always part of discipleship.
In the biblical story of the widow’s offering at the treasury (Mark 12), Jesus compares the offering of a poor widow to the money offered by rich people. Though the widow only gives two small coins, Jesus says that she gave more because she gave everything she had to live on. The message is clear – no matter how much you have to give, your money has value to God. Jesus is not saying that everyone should be poor and give small offerings. Rather, he praises the widow in order to criticize the rich for refusing to give a bigger portion of their wealth. Their money is needed, too.
This message is excerpted from “Thankofferings: A season of gratitude” by Emma Crossen in the November 2015 Gather magazine. Today is the 25th Sunday after Pentecost.
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