This poor widow has put in
more than all the others.
—Luke 21:3
In a thank-you note to the Philippians, Paul acknowledged their gifts to his ministry: “They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (Phil 4:18).
Don’t skip over the word “sacrifice” too quickly. Generous giving and sacrificial giving are not necessarily the same. We may be generous without it impacting our lifestyle.
Jesus observed a poor widow dropping two coppers in the collection plate. The amount was next to nothing, but the sacrifice was enormous. “This poor widow,” he said, “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” (Lk 21:3–4).
The wealthy were generous; the widow was sacrificial.
Generosity is admirable.
Sacrifice is extraordinary.