The Widow’s Mites

 The Widow’s Mites

 

The Widow’s Mites is a short and touching story of a poor widow who came to the treasury of the temple and made her offering, which were two mites. Two mites equaled a farthing which is less than a penny; even anciently that was not a lot of money. None the less this was all that she had and so she gave of it willingly. When we give all that we have, then our Father which is in Heaven will grant us all that He has.

                                                                                          

This widow having heard the words of the prophets, who had foretold of the coming of the Lord, did do as they commanded. She believed that the Lord would redeem her, and looked forward to his coming. She was faithful in all things even in giving all that she had to build up the kingdom. Christ taught, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Authorized King James Version, Matthew 6:33)

Christ’s observation was not of the woman alone, but rather of all those that had come and made offerings. He notes that he wasn’t just watching what was given, but also how they gave. Pointing out that there were many that were rich, and they gave amply, but they only gave of their abundance. The difference between what the Widow did and what they did is that she gave all that she had, “even all of her living.” (Matthew 12:44) In spite of the fact that she would be left with nothing, she gave anyway. The rich only gave what was easy to give; there was no sacrifice in their offering.

While serving as elder’s quorum president, I was called unexpectedly to meet with the stake president, for an impromptu personal priesthood interview. Upon my arrival I was informed that my bishop was concerned regarding my tithing status. My wife and I had just met the month prior for our annual tithing settlement and had declared ourselves to be partial tithe payers. President wanted to know in simple terms, what the problem was. I confessed that I had no problem, but rather my wife lacked a testimony of this principle and law. After some personal council he left me with this promise and asked me to share it with my wife. He said, if as husband and wife, we were to pay our tithing and see no blessings from it, he would return our contributions in full.

Like the Widow and like my stake president implied, we labor diligently to help others come unto Christ, building up his kingdom in all things, “for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”  (The Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 25:23) This is not only applicable to monetary donations and tithes, but rather is a calling we all work at fulfilling. When we are willing to mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comforting, and stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places, then we can say that we are doing all that we can do. (See Mosiah 18:9)

The Widow’s mites is a testament to the principle of the law of sacrifice and who we can live it. I know that when we give all that we have, then our Father which is in Heaven will grant us all that He has. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.