West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

• The speaker struggled to find a topic but was inspired by observing students at Todd County Middle School.
• Children naturally help one another, prompting the question: "What do I have to give?"
• Example of Giving: Taylor Swift
  • Despite her success, she has been generous in donations (libraries, schools, disaster relief, medical support, etc.).
  • Notably, she gave $100,000 bonuses to each of her truck drivers—far beyond the industry norm.
  • This generosity highlights the impact of giving beyond finances and using what we have to bless others.

1. The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41-44)
   • A poor widow gave two small coins, which Jesus declared more valuable than the large amounts given by the wealthy.
   • True giving isn’t about the amount but about sacrifice and trust in God.
   • Reflecting on this, the speaker acknowledges personal struggles with giving and shares the reality of financial differences (e.g., annual income in Honduras is $3,000).
2. The Sinful Woman’s Gift (Luke 7:36-50)
   • A woman, identified as sinful, washes Jesus' feet with her tears and anoints them with expensive perfume.
   • She was not invited but knew she needed to be near Jesus.
   • The Pharisee, who hosted Jesus, failed to provide even basic hospitality.
   • Key lesson: She gave what she had—her devotion, her service, and a precious possession—demonstrating that true giving is not just financial.
3. The Final Judgment (Matthew 25:31-40)
   • Jesus separates the righteous (sheep) from the unrighteous (goats).
   • The righteous are rewarded for feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, welcoming strangers, and visiting the sick and imprisoned.
   • No mention of financial giving—only acts of kindness and service.
   • The church is actively doing these things, but judgment will be personal, not corporate—"What have YOU done?"

• Hebrews 13:16: "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
• Giving is not limited to money—it includes time, kindness, and service.
• Example of William M. Golden, who, despite being imprisoned, wrote hymns like "A Beautiful Life," which emphasizes daily acts of kindness as a way to serve God.

• The invitation is given: 
  • If you are not a Christian, now is the time to give your life to Christ.
  • If you are a Christian but have neglected opportunities to give, seek renewal and support from the church.
• Final challenge: Reflect on "What do I have to give?" and actively seek ways to serve God and others.