ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

   GIVING THE GIFT OF BENEVOLENCE

To possess benevolence is to give with charitable purpose, with no intent to profit from what is given. It is a marvelous gift to receive a random act of kindness from one who seeks no recognition. One of the sweetest stories is that of the widow’s mite who gave the ultimate gift.

The Christian lesson of the widow's mite, as relayed in Luke (21:1-4) and Mark (12:41-44), is an enduring testament to the value of benevolence. A destitute widow has only a few mites to her name, which she gave selflessly as her donation to the Temple. 

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their offerings into the temple treasury.  Then he saw a poor widow put in two mites, which was everything that she possessed.   

“And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” Luke 21:1-4

A Mite was an ancient penny that was nearly worthless at the time.  To Jesus, her modest gift was worth more than the ostentatious contributions of the wealthy, for her mites represented all her earthly possessions. This virtuous woman had demonstrated the selfless act of benevolence; she did not know where her next meal would come from, but she gave without asking for anything in return.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

This Christmas season may we embrace the virtue of benevolence.

Linda Sumner Urza written for: onefineday11.blogspot.com

(The picture above of the Widow's Mite is a painting by James Christensen)