“Jesus 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. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.”—Mark 12:41–42 (NIV) The greatest and most precious offering before God is our lives. When we offer our lives to Him by believing in His Son Jesus Christ, renouncing the world, living according to His commands, and working for His kingdom, that becomes the highest form of offering—more pleasing than our material possessions. This offering of life comes with unmatched rewards. The greatest reward is eternal life, meaning to live forever beyond this present life. You give your 80, 90, or even 100 earthly years—and receive in return eternity, a life of endless joy with no aging, suffering, hardship, or pain. That’s why it is crucial to offer our lives to God. Because even God’s greatest offering to us was His Son’s life. Therefore, the greatest offering we can give in return is our own life. Still, another important offering is that of our possessions. When we give our wealth for the sake of God, we create a bridge for blessings even in this life. Many people ask, “How much should I give to God?” The answer is anything that is without blemish. “But when you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the Lord Almighty.—Malachi 1:8 (NIV) A blemished offering means giving something faulty or deficient. Offering such to God is disrespectful. The Creator of the stars and heavens does not deserve leftovers—He deserves the very best. An example of a blemished offering: You earn 200,000 shillings but give only 1,000 to the God who gave you breath. The rest you use for personal development. That is a blemished offering. An unblemished offering: You earn 5,000 shillings and give God 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, or even the whole 5,000. Two people might give the same amount, but one’s gift could be blemished if it doesn’t align with their income level. Now, here’s an important lesson: Don’t involve emotions in giving. Many feel pity for themselves or others when giving. But in God’s economy, there is no room for emotional excuses. If you’ve planned to give all your 5,000 shillings to God, go ahead and give it. Don’t start feeling sorry for yourself, asking, “What will I eat? What will I be left with?” If you’re driven by pity, it’s better not to give at all. In giving to God, there are no emotions—you either give or you don’t. Abraham didn’t let emotions stop him when he offered his son Isaac (Genesis 22). Though he could have refused, he obeyed, overcoming his emotions. Likewise, when Elijah met the widow of Zarephath, he told her: “But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son.”—1 Kings 17:13 (NIV) He didn’t start by pitying her. The widow had two choices: to feed herself and her son or listen to God’s prophet. She chose to deny her emotions—and we know the outcome: “The jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry” (1 Kings 17:16). You might say that was the Old Testament where people were under strict laws. But what about the New Testament? Let’s read again: “Jesus 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. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.’”—Mark 12:41–44 (NIV) Jesus was watching this woman closely. She had only two small coins—her entire livelihood. Yet Jesus did not stop her, didn’t say, “Old woman, keep your last coins and buy food.” No, He let her give. Why? Because giving has nothing to do with emotion, nor with your current state or your future needs. Even when God gave us Jesus, He didn’t stop to feel emotional about His Son being beaten, stripped, crucified—an innocent Son. But He gave Him anyway: “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”—Romans 8:32 (NIV) So, when giving to God, do not pity yourself. If you have a heart of pity, it’s better not to give at all. Use that money for something else. But if you’ve purposed to give it to God, don’t start looking at your condition—whether you have a house, food, or clothing. Don’t assume your emotional condition touches God. If God wasn’t moved by the poor, elderly widow who had no husband and gave her last two coins, then don’t think your problems are too big for Him to ignore. You’re only deceiving yourself and blocking your own blessings. Don’t let Satan blind you by reminding you of all your needs just so you withhold your giving. If such thoughts come—reject them in Jesus’ Name! But in all this, we know that the end with God is always good. Isaac didn’t die—he was blessed. The widow in Elijah’s time didn’t starve—she was full during the drought. The New Testament widow was honored by Jesus Himself, and though Scripture doesn’t say what happened next, we can be sure she was blessed, because the Lord made her gift known publicly. That’s the power of giving to God without involving emotions. But if you listen to the devil and honor your emotions, you will get nothing—you’ll end up thinking that God is heartless and only drains people. The Lord bless you abundantly. Finally, if you’re not yet saved, what are you waiting for? Will you die in sin and go to hell? Be left behind during the rapture? Or face the great tribulation? I urge you—give your life to Christ. These are the last days. This is not the time for religious pride or denominational boasting. The very religious systems and denominations will help form the mark of the beast, when no one will be able to buy or sell unless they have it (Revelation 13:16–17). Share this message with others, and if you would like to receive these teachings by email or WhatsApp, send a message using the comment box below or call this number:📞 +255 789001312 Join our WhatsApp Channel👉 [Click here to join]