The Mission

Why the Gifts of the Poor Are Valuable

Even the very poor should bring their offerings to God. They are to share in the grace of Christ by helping those whose need is more urgent than their own. The poor person’s gift, the fruit of self-denial, comes up before God as fragrant incense. And every act of self-sacrifice allies the giver more closely to the One who was rich, yet for our sakes became poor. 4TC 177.5

Christ called the disciples’ attention to the widow who dropped two tiny coins—“her whole livelihood” (Mark 12:44)—into the treasury. He judged her gift to be more valuable than the large offerings of those whose donations did not call for self-denial. The widow had deprived herself of even the necessities of life, trusting God to meet her needs. “This poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury” (verse 43). God measures the value of the gift not by the amount, but by the proportion that is given, and the motive that prompts the giver. 4TC 177.6

The apostle Paul said, “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7). 4TC 178.1

Nearly all the Macedonian believers were poor in this world’s goods, but they gladly gave to support the gospel. Paul held up the liberality of the converts in Macedonia as an example to other churches: “In a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality” (2 Corinthians 8:2). 4TC 178.2

Moved by the Spirit of God, they “first gave themselves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:5). Then they were willing to give freely of their money to support the gospel work. It was not necessary to urge them. Instead, they were happy for the privilege of denying themselves even necessary things in order to meet the needs of others. 4TC 178.3

When Paul sent Titus to Corinth to strengthen the believers there, in a personal letter he added his own appeal: “Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost earnestness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.” “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. ... You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us” (2 Corinthians 8:7; 9:8-11, NRSV). 4TC 178.4

Unselfish liberality brought great joy to the early church. The believers knew that their efforts were helping to send the gospel to those in darkness. Their generosity showed that they had not received the grace of God in vain. In the eyes of believers and unbelievers this kind of liberality was a miracle of grace. 4TC 178.5

Spiritual prosperity goes hand-in-hand with Christian generosity. As the followers of Christ give to the Lord, they have the assurance that their treasure is going ahead of them to the heavenly courts. Would you like to make your property secure? Place it in the hands that bear the marks of the crucifixion. Do you want to enjoy your wealth? Use it to bless the needy. Do you want to increase your possessions? 4TC 179.1

“Honor the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine” Proverbs 3:9, 10). 4TC 179.2

Try to keep your possessions for selfish purposes, and you will experience eternal loss. But treasure we give to God is securely marked with His name. 4TC 179.3

“Some give freely, yet grow all the richer; others withhold what is due, and only suffer want” (Proverbs 11:24, NRSV). The sower multiplies his seed by throwing it away. So those who are faithful in sharing God’s gifts increase their blessings (Luke 6:38). 4TC 179.4