Craig Clouston

The Rice Bowl

“This poor widow has put in more than all the others.

Luke 21:3

The congregation listened as the pastor spoke of those who had lost so much during the recent tornado outbreak. As he spoke, a member of the congregation came forward and dropped a check in the offering plate. Many eagerly followed suit, including a widowed mother of three.

The pastor noticed her gift was not monetary in nature, but was instead, a small wooden bowl. Knowing the woman was extremely poor, he stepped over to her and quietly said, “God appreciates your generous gesture, Molly. But isn’t this the bowl you carry rice home from the market in?”

Her challenge ended any argument, “Can’t the poor give as well?”

“Yes,” was all he could say.

Another member of the congregation stood and said, “I will give you $1000 for that bowl!”

Stunned, the woman watched as the man came forward and placed a check in the plate to cover his purchase. He then turned to the congregation, lifted the bowl in both hands, and said, “I have here in my hands a valuable bowl. Who will give me $100 for it?” In less than thirty seconds the bidding reached $4000! “Sold!” he shouted.

After the new buyer came forward and settled her debt, she turned and said, “Many of you bid against me in an effort to buy this special, one of a kind bowl. I would like to offer each of you a chance to buy it…” and the little bowl was auctioned off once more. Time and again, the bowl was sold to the highest bidder. And when the auction finally ended, the little rice bowl had raised more than $86,000!

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God appreciates all who give…especially when it benefits others directly. Yet, when we give out of our poverty, it moves His heart. And He, in turn, moves the hearts of those who witness such generosity.

Scripture says God loves a cheerful giver. It’s a matter of our heart, not our bank account. What do you have that would thrill God’s heart if you generously gave it away to benefit another?

Prayer

“Everything I have is Yours, Father God. In this moment I ask You to show me how to give as the woman with the rice bowl. Teach me the true nature of generosity. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”