Whether in a walkway of engraved bricks or on a wall of donors, many institutions display the names of those who have significantly contributed. Your own name may be engraved somewhere in appreciation for your charitable giving. Jesus also highlighted someone who unexpectedly demonstrated generosity.
He and His disciples were standing near the temple treasury. They couldn’t help observing the large donations of the wealthy people. The disciples may have been dazzled by this, but Jesus saw giving in a totally different way. He noted the largest contribution came from a poor widow who gave two mites (pennies) because she gave all that she had while the others gave only what they could afford. Jesus looks at the heart; we focus on the amount.
A missionary friend once noted, “The great equalizer in giving is not how much is given, but in how much we keep for ourselves.” This has caused me to think about my giving. It should never be out of compulsion or reluctance because God looks at the heart and loves a cheerful giver.