Giving from the Heart
Kumalawaty Sundari (Jakarta, Indonesia)




TODAY'S READING
Luke 21:1-4


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I will not hesitate to offer what I have to the Lord.


PRAYER FOCUS
Church musicians




Jesus said, “All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” - Luke 21:4 (NIV)

I observed that some religious education classes at my church needed a guitarist. Without music, the children were less enthusiastic in praising the Lord. I was not gifted in music, but my heart longed to serve God. So I asked my brother who played guitar to teach me. Though I could not master the instrument, my presence as a guitarist helped the children to sing more joyfully to God; my heart was joyful as well.

What I experienced reminds me of the poor widow who found favor in God’s eyes though she offered only two small coins. Perhaps what we give is nothing in the eyes of people, but our willingness makes God glad. Then joy and peace shall fill our hearts. Our lives will be blessed as we put God above all matters.

We do not need to be perfect in order to serve God.

So whenever the Spirit moves us to share our talent or to give what we have for God’s work in the world, we can freely offer it to God. Our longing to please God is what is most important.



TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, we often doubt the value of what we have to give. Help us to realize that you pay attention to the sincerity of our hearts more than to the gifts themselves. Amen.