The Spirit of Sacrifice: Giving from the Heart
By: AJ Dumpasan
Title: The Spirit of Sacrifice: Giving from the Heart
Text: “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny” (Mark 12:41-42).
Based on: Ellen White’s Counsels on Stewardship, Chapter 10
Title: The Spirit of Sacrifice: Giving from the Heart
Text: “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny” (Mark 12:41-42).
Based on: Ellen White’s Counsels on Stewardship, Chapter 10
Introduction
Opening Illustration:
Picture a widow in ancient times, her resources limited, yet her faith unwavering. She approaches the temple treasury and gives two small coins—all she has. This act of sacrifice and faith caught Jesus’ attention and became a lesson for generations.
In Chapter 10 of Counsels on Stewardship, Ellen White highlights the spirit of sacrifice, teaching us that true giving is not about the amount but the heart and faith behind the gift.
Key Question:
What does it mean to give sacrificially, and why does it matter to God?
Opening Illustration:
Picture a widow in ancient times, her resources limited, yet her faith unwavering. She approaches the temple treasury and gives two small coins—all she has. This act of sacrifice and faith caught Jesus’ attention and became a lesson for generations.
In Chapter 10 of Counsels on Stewardship, Ellen White highlights the spirit of sacrifice, teaching us that true giving is not about the amount but the heart and faith behind the gift.
Key Question:
What does it mean to give sacrificially, and why does it matter to God?
1. Sacrificial Giving Reflects True Devotion
Ellen White’s Insight:
- “Every act of self-sacrifice for the good of others will strengthen the spirit of beneficence in the giver’s heart” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 126).
- Sacrificial giving shows our complete reliance on God and prioritizes His kingdom over our comfort.
Biblical Foundation:
- Mark 12:43-44: “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.”
- Jesus honors the widow’s gift because it came from her heart and demonstrated her faith in God’s provision.
Practical Application:
- Reflect on how you can give sacrificially in your life—not just financially but with your time and talents.
- Make intentional decisions to prioritize God’s work, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
Example:
- Share a story of someone who gave sacrificially, such as a missionary dedicating their life to service or a church member giving generously despite limited means.
Ellen White’s Insight:
- “Every act of self-sacrifice for the good of others will strengthen the spirit of beneficence in the giver’s heart” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 126).
- Sacrificial giving shows our complete reliance on God and prioritizes His kingdom over our comfort.
Biblical Foundation:
- Mark 12:43-44: “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.”
- Jesus honors the widow’s gift because it came from her heart and demonstrated her faith in God’s provision.
Practical Application:
- Reflect on how you can give sacrificially in your life—not just financially but with your time and talents.
- Make intentional decisions to prioritize God’s work, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
Example:
- Share a story of someone who gave sacrificially, such as a missionary dedicating their life to service or a church member giving generously despite limited means.
2. Sacrificial Giving Advances God’s Work
Ellen White’s Insight:
- “The spirit of liberality is the spirit of heaven. Christ’s self-sacrificing love is revealed upon the cross. That love, expressed in sacrifice, stirs the hearts of His followers to self-denying efforts for the salvation of souls” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 128).
- Sacrificial giving is a key driver in spreading the gospel and sustaining the church’s mission.
Biblical Foundation:
- 2 Corinthians 8:2-3: “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.”
- The Macedonian believers exemplify sacrificial giving, fueling God’s work even amid hardship.
Practical Application:
- Support global and local mission projects by contributing not only finances but also prayer and encouragement.
- Recognize that your sacrificial giving is an investment in eternal rewards and the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Example:
- Highlight a specific mission or church initiative that thrived because of members’ sacrificial giving.
Ellen White’s Insight:
- “The spirit of liberality is the spirit of heaven. Christ’s self-sacrificing love is revealed upon the cross. That love, expressed in sacrifice, stirs the hearts of His followers to self-denying efforts for the salvation of souls” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 128).
- Sacrificial giving is a key driver in spreading the gospel and sustaining the church’s mission.
Biblical Foundation:
- 2 Corinthians 8:2-3: “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.”
- The Macedonian believers exemplify sacrificial giving, fueling God’s work even amid hardship.
Practical Application:
- Support global and local mission projects by contributing not only finances but also prayer and encouragement.
- Recognize that your sacrificial giving is an investment in eternal rewards and the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Example:
- Highlight a specific mission or church initiative that thrived because of members’ sacrificial giving.
3. Sacrificial Giving Brings Spiritual Growth
Ellen White’s Insight:
- “The spirit of unselfish labor for others gives depth, stability, and Christlike loveliness to the character and brings peace and happiness to its possessor” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 129).
- Giving sacrificially fosters humility, faith, and a closer relationship with God.
Biblical Foundation:
- Matthew 6:20-21: “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- Sacrificial giving redirects our focus from earthly possessions to heavenly treasures.
Practical Application:
- View every act of sacrifice as a step toward spiritual maturity and a deeper trust in God.
- Encourage others by sharing testimonies of how sacrificial giving has brought blessings and growth.
Example:
- Share a testimony of someone who experienced spiritual transformation through sacrificial giving.
Ellen White’s Insight:
- “The spirit of unselfish labor for others gives depth, stability, and Christlike loveliness to the character and brings peace and happiness to its possessor” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 129).
- Giving sacrificially fosters humility, faith, and a closer relationship with God.
Biblical Foundation:
- Matthew 6:20-21: “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- Sacrificial giving redirects our focus from earthly possessions to heavenly treasures.
Practical Application:
- View every act of sacrifice as a step toward spiritual maturity and a deeper trust in God.
- Encourage others by sharing testimonies of how sacrificial giving has brought blessings and growth.
Example:
- Share a testimony of someone who experienced spiritual transformation through sacrificial giving.
Conclusion
Key Takeaway:
Sacrificial giving is an act of faith and love that reflects true devotion, advances God’s work, and leads to spiritual growth. When we give from the heart, we honor God and align ourselves with His purpose.
Closing Appeal:
- Let us embrace the spirit of sacrifice in our giving, trusting that God will use our offerings to bless others and draw us closer to Him.
- Remember, no act of giving is too small when it is offered with love and faith.
Closing Illustration:
- Ellen White writes, “He who presents to the Lord gifts that cost him self-denial and self-sacrifice will find that the offering is not only returned to him, but that it is done with a great blessing” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 130).
Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for the privilege of giving sacrificially. Teach us to give from the heart, trusting that You will use our offerings to advance Your work and transform our lives. May our gifts reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. Amen.”
Key Takeaway:
Sacrificial giving is an act of faith and love that reflects true devotion, advances God’s work, and leads to spiritual growth. When we give from the heart, we honor God and align ourselves with His purpose.
Closing Appeal:
- Let us embrace the spirit of sacrifice in our giving, trusting that God will use our offerings to bless others and draw us closer to Him.
- Remember, no act of giving is too small when it is offered with love and faith.
Closing Illustration:
- Ellen White writes, “He who presents to the Lord gifts that cost him self-denial and self-sacrifice will find that the offering is not only returned to him, but that it is done with a great blessing” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 130).
Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for the privilege of giving sacrificially. Teach us to give from the heart, trusting that You will use our offerings to advance Your work and transform our lives. May our gifts reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. Amen.”
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