We debate about what God deserves of our finances, and we’re quick to applaud generous giving, but is that really what Jesus applauds? Of course, generosity is an incredible character trait that should be the result of us meeting Jesus, but his encounter with the widow at the temple treasury should give us a fresh perspective on money. 

In Luke 21:2-4, Luke describes that Jesus “saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. He said, “This poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” 

What Jesus is saying here is really quite radical. To give more is not about how much you can give - what you can get a tax receipt for - to give more is actually about what you don’t spend on yourself. You see, because Jesus commends this woman who had given all that she had, it’s not about how much you can give, it’s about what you don’t keep for yourself.