Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionLiberality, as a Christian virtue, is exemplified in the New Testament through the account of the poor widow, whose account is recounted in the Gospels. This narrative highlights the essence of true generosity and the heart's posture in giving, rather than the material value of the gift itself. The account of the poor widow is found in Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4, where Jesus uses her act of giving as a profound teaching moment for His disciples and for all believers. Biblical Account In the Gospel of Mark, the account is as follows: "Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into it. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a small fraction of a denarius. Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.'" (Mark 12:41-44) Similarly, in the Gospel of Luke: "Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 'Truly I tell you,' He said, 'this poor widow has put in more than all the others. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.'" (Luke 21:1-4) Context and Significance The setting of this narrative is the temple in Jerusalem, where offerings were made in the treasury. The treasury was a place where people could give their financial contributions to support the temple and its services. The act of giving was a public affair, and it was common for people to give in a manner that displayed their wealth and generosity. The poor widow's offering, however, was markedly different. Her two small copper coins, known as "lepta," were of minimal monetary value, yet they represented her entire livelihood. In contrast to the wealthy contributors, who gave from their abundance, the widow's offering was a sacrificial act of faith and devotion. Her liberality was not measured by the amount she gave but by the heart and sacrifice behind her giving. Theological Implications The account of the poor widow serves as a powerful illustration of the principles of Christian giving. It underscores the idea that God values the heart and intention behind the gift more than the gift's size. The widow's act of giving all she had is a testament to her trust in God's provision and her commitment to His service, even in the face of personal poverty. This narrative challenges believers to examine their own attitudes toward giving. It calls for a spirit of generosity that is not contingent upon wealth or abundance but is rooted in faith and love for God. The widow's example teaches that true liberality is characterized by selflessness and a willingness to give sacrificially, trusting in God's faithfulness to provide. Practical Application For Christians today, the account of the poor widow is a reminder to practice liberality in all aspects of life. It encourages believers to give not only of their financial resources but also of their time, talents, and love. The widow's example inspires a lifestyle of generosity that reflects the heart of Christ, who gave Himself fully for the redemption of humanity. In the context of the church and community, this narrative calls for a reevaluation of how generosity is perceived and practiced. It invites believers to support one another, especially those in need, with a spirit of compassion and selflessness. The widow's account is a timeless testament to the power of giving from the heart, regardless of one's material circumstances. Nave's Topical Index Luke 21:2-4And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. Nave's Topical Index Library Liberality to the Poor is Recommended by the Example of the Widow ... A Liberal Church On Kindness and Its Several Parts, Namely, Good-Will and ... Christ Teaching Liberality How Easy Our Saviour Has Made the Increase of Love. The Blessedness of Giving Treatise viii. On Works and Alms. Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Manner and Contents it So ... A Rebuke against Extortion Constant, Instant, Expectant Resources Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Liberality in Antioch (Of Syria) Liberality: Araunah for Sacrifice Liberality: Barzillai and Others to David Liberality: Blessings Connected With Liberality: Characteristic of Saints Liberality: Christ Set an Example of Liberality: Elisha Toward Elijah Liberality: Exercise of, Provokes Others To Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Churches of Macedonia Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Israelites Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Poor Widow Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Israelites at the Erection of the Tabernacle Liberality: Israelites' offerings for the Temple Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Liberality: Joash and his People Liberality: King of Sodom to Abraham Liberality: Labour to be Enabled to Exercise Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Having Faith Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Loving God Liberality: Lack of Brings Many a Curse Liberality: People of Melita (Malta) to Paul Liberality: Pharaoh to Joseph's People Liberality: Queen of Sheba to Solomon Liberality: should be Exercised in Forwarding Missions Liberality: should be Exercised in Giving Alms Liberality: should be Exercised in Leading to Those in Want Liberality: should be Exercised in Relieving the Destitute Liberality: should be Exercised in Rendering Personal Services Liberality: should be Exercised in the Service of God Liberality: should be Exercised with Simplicity Liberality: should be Exercised without Ostentation Liberality: should be Exercised: Abundantly Liberality: should be Exercised: According to Ability Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward all Men Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Enemies Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Saints Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Servants Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Strangers Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward the Poor Liberality: should be Exercised: Willingly Liberality: The Good Samaritan Liberality: The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Liberality: Unprofitable, Without Love Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |