The Gift Given From Little: A Lesson in the Spirit of Almsgiving

I recently received a gift from someone. I know it was given from very little that they had at this point in their life, and it caused me to think about generosity and almsgiving in a new way. I was reminded of the widow who gave from her whole livelihood. This was a real example of the Gospel coming to life to reveal spiritual wisdom.

Have you ever received a gift from little? If you have, you may have realized more graciousness stirring in you because it seemed like much more than a gift given from abundance. This person had little to give and they gifted me nonetheless.

There’s more greatness in the gift given from little because that person is truly sacrificing something they need or could have to give you something of value.

I think that’s one of the great spiritual lessons. In poverty and in lack, the person who is generous, who gives without counting the cost and who lays down “their life” for another, shines through as a vivid example of Christ’s great love for us. After all, Christ gave the ultimate sacrifice: His very life.

Let this lesson give you pause to consider what you are truly sacrificing for another this Lent. Are your gifts and alms given from abundance or lack? Do you hold back gifts and alms because you fear lack or fulfilling your own needs or wants? Are you giving some aspect of your livelihood over? What is the spirit with which you give?

I believe these are all the lessons that Christ was trying to teach us in Scripture and in His very own sacrifice on the cross.

May you inspire others to see Christ's generous love through your own generous giving!