A look into Giving: The 2009 Slate 60

I was reading The 2009 Slate 60: The Largest American Charitable Contributions of the year and I'm blessed, I mean totally blessed with these great philanthropist of our time! I'm blessed not because they've given so much (i mean literally) but blessed they've chosen to give. A lot of us who are far poorer than these guys can't even give at least a little to those who are in need. How much more when we become as rich as they are. Would it be easy to give by then million dollars?

I remember the passage in the Bible about the woman who gave two coins.

Mark 12:41-45 (New International Version)


The Widow's Offering


41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins,[a]worth only a fraction of a penny.[b]


43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

I'm not sure though if these philanthropist gave just because they have excess. I hope not. But looking at us, we had a bigger chance of giving more! We can be just like this woman who out of her poverty gave everything!

It's not the amount. It's the attitude of our hearts in giving. We may not be part of the Slate 60 or be famous but when we give everything, Jesus sees us and knows we have given more!

Just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us — see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7