Chapter 24—Poor to Exercise Benevolence
Not the Amount, but the Prompting Love—The poor are not
excluded from the privilege of giving. They, as well as the wealthy,
may act a part in this work. The lesson that Christ gave in regard to
the widow’s two mites shows us that the smallest willing offerings
of the poor, if given from a heart of love, are as acceptable as the
largest donations of the rich. In the balances of the sanctuary the gifts
of the poor, made from love of Christ, are estimated, not according
to the amount given but according to the love which prompts the
sacrifice.—
The Review and Herald, October 10, 1907
.
Sacrifice Also Required of the Poor—Some who are poor in this
world’s goods are apt to place all the straight testimony upon the
shoulders of the men of property. But they do not realize that they
also have a work to do. God requires them to make a sacrifice.—
The
Review and Herald, April 18, 1871
.
She Did What She Could—The Saviour called His disciples to
Him and bade them mark the widow’s poverty. Then His words of
commendation fell upon her ear: “Of a truth I say unto you, that this
poor widow hath cast in more than they all.” Tears of joy filled her eyes
as she felt that her act was understood and appreciated. Many would
have advised her to keep her pittance for her own use. Given into the
hands of the well-fed priests, it would be lost sight of among the many
costly gifts brought to the treasury. But Jesus understood her motive.
She believed the service of the temple to be of God’s appointment,
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and she was anxious to do her utmost to sustain it. She did what she
could, and her act was to be a monument to her memory through all
time, and her joy in eternity. Her heart went with her gift; its value
was estimated, not by the worth of the coin, but by the love to God
and the interest in His work that had prompted the deed.
Jesus said of the poor widow, She “hath cast in more than they all.”
The rich had bestowed from their abundance, many of them to be seen
and honored by men. Their large donations had deprived them of no
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