Let us imitate the poor widow

The story of the poor widow in St Luke 21:1-4 presents a powerful, humbling and deeply inspiring lesson, especially at this time of year. In this passage, Jesus observes how the widow, with her two small copper coins, gives far more than those who contribute from their abundance. While many others may have donated large sums, their gifts were but a small fraction of what they had. The widow, however, gave everything; her entire livelihood and Jesus commends her for it. He teaches us that the true measure of generosity lies not in the size of the gift but in the sacrifice and intention behind it.

This story of the widow challenges us to look beyond the superficial and to consider how we can move past the minimum expectations in our own lives. 

Better to give than receive

The widow, despite being one of the most disadvantaged members of society, chose to give. As a widow, she was among those who, according to Deuteronomy, alongside orphans, foreigners, and other vulnerable members of the community were entitled to charity. While others may have taken advantage of the system and relied on charity, the widow chose a different path. She could have stayed at the temple gates and begged for alms as others in similar circumstances. Instead, she gave what little she had; two small coins, worth only a fraction of a penny because she understood the profound spiritual value of giving. Jesus affirmed her choice, teaching us that “the hand that gives is more blessed than the hand that takes.”

The widow’s example is a reminder to us that giving is not about the size of the gift but the heart with which it is given. She gave not out of surplus, but out of poverty sacrificing everything she had. Her actions demonstrate that generosity is not about abundance; it is about the willingness to give of yourself, even when you have little. 

This Christmas, we are invited to reflect on our own generosity. Too often, we withhold or limit our giving because we feel we do not have enough to offer. Yet this widow shows us that sometimes, the most significant acts of kindness and generosity come when we give from a place of need, not from abundance.

Obedient

One of the remarkable aspects of the widow’s story is her commitment to following the law, even in dire circumstances. The law of Moses required that no one should appear before the Lord empty-handed, and despite her poverty, she chose to obey. While it might have been easier or more reasonable for her to excuse herself from the obligation, given her circumstances, she did not. She understood that the act of giving was an expression of her devotion to God, and she adhered to the law as an act of faith and obedience. Her choice stands in stark contrast to many others who might have made excuses based on their circumstances. Instead of viewing the law as a burden, she saw it as an opportunity to honour God, even if it meant giving everything she had.

Perhaps the most profound lesson the widow offers us is her understanding that her sustenance comes not from her material possessions but from God’s provision. She recognised that her life and well-being were not bound by her limited resources but were in God’s hands. This enabled her to give freely, without fear or hesitation, trusting that God would provide for her needs. 

Life depends on God’s grace

It is easy to fall in the trap of thinking that our value and security are tied to the things we own, but the widow understood that life is measured by the abundance of faith and trust in God. By giving what she had, she acknowledged that her sustenance, life, and future were dependent on God's grace.

Despite the poverty she faced, the widow did not let her circumstances limit her relationship with God or with others. She could have allowed her hardships to close her off, to make her bitter or resentful, but instead, she chose to live with a spirit of generosity. She did not allow her external situation to define her internal disposition. 

Instead of withdrawing from the community or viewing herself as a victim of circumstances, she embraced her role as a giver. Yet when life gets difficult, it is tempting to focus inwardly, to hoard the little we have and become consumed by fear or worry. But this widow teaches us that even in the hardest of times, there is always something we can give, whether it be kindness, love, or even a small act of generosity. It is not the size of the gift that matters but the heart behind it.

The spirit of Christmas

As we approach Christmas, we are often surrounded by messages of consumerism and material excess. It can be easy to become preoccupied with what we can buy or receive, especially when we feel we do not have enough to offer. But the widow's example challenges us to shift our focus. Christmas is not about the abundance of material things; it is about the abundance of love, kindness, and generosity that we share with others. 

This year, let us strive to go beyond what is expected, whether in our relationships, our communities, or our families. Let us aim to give more than we receive. In forgiveness, let us not just forgive once or twice, but as Jesus teaches, seventy times seven. If someone takes our coat, let us offer our shirt as well.

Time matters most

Moreover, let us not allow our circumstances to limit us. Whether we can afford new clothes, travel, or extravagant gifts, we can still find meaningful ways to celebrate Christmas. Sometimes the most memorable moments come not from what we buy, but from the time we spend with loved ones, the compassion we show to others, and the way we make others feel valued and cared for. 

The spirit of Christmas is about love, not material wealth, and even in the most humble of circumstances, we can experience the true joy of the season.

What we give matters

This Christmas, as we reflect on the widow’s story, let it be a reminder that our lives and our worth are not defined by what we possess, but by what we give, our love, our time, our kindness, and our faith. Let this Christmas and the new year be a time of renewal, a time to do things differently, to give more, love more, and live more intentionally. Let us follow the widow’s example, and in doing so, we will discover that it is in giving all that we truly receive.