Reply To: Covenant Of Wealth Discussion Board 1

[mgbowaji]

The Power of Giving: A Case Study from the Bible – The Widow of Zarephath
Giving is a foundational principle deeply rooted in the Bible. In several instances, acts of giving reveal timeless principles that continue to resonate today. One notable case study that illustrates the power of giving is the story of the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16). When the prophet Elijah encountered this widow during a time of drought and famine, the story provides profound insights into the nature and transformative power of giving. Here are four principles drawn from this story:
1. Faith in the Act of Giving
The widow of Zarephath was in a desperate situation, gathering sticks to prepare her last meal for herself and her son. Yet, when Elijah asked her for water and bread, she chose to give despite her scarcity. This act reflects the first principle: giving often requires faith. In the Bible, giving isn’t contingent on abundance. True giving requires trust in God’s provision, even when resources seem limited.
The widow’s willingness to give her last morsel of food to Elijah wasn’t logical from a human perspective. But her faith in the prophet’s promise—“The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry”—allowed her to release what little she had. This act of faith in giving is critical. Many times, giving isn’t about what we have but about trusting that our needs will be met as we prioritize others.
2. Selflessness over Self-preservation
The widow’s decision to give represents a profound form of selflessness. Despite her dire circumstances, she put the needs of another—Elijah—above her own. In a world where survival often takes precedence, this second principle teaches that true giving involves putting others’ needs ahead of our own self-preservation instincts.
Her selflessness is a reminder that giving is not always about the quantity or ease with which we give, but rather the heart and intention behind it. This aligns with the New Testament teaching that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). The widow gave sacrificially, and her actions reflect the profound principle that giving from a place of scarcity can produce far greater blessings than hoarding out of fear.
3. The Law of Reciprocity
A third principle from this story is the law of reciprocity—what one gives, they will receive. After the widow gave Elijah food and water, her flour and oil supplies were miraculously sustained throughout the drought. This principle is echoed in Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.”
In this case, God’s provision didn’t just meet the widow’s immediate need; it sustained her and her household throughout the famine. This principle reveals that when we give from a heart of generosity and faith, we open ourselves up to divine reciprocity. What we give may return to us in unexpected ways, often surpassing what we initially gave.
4. Generosity Unlocks Miracles
Lastly, the widow’s giving unlocked a miraculous provision. This principle emphasizes that generosity has the potential to unlock divine intervention and miracles. While the widow’s situation seemed hopeless, her act of giving made room for God’s supernatural provision.
In many biblical accounts, giving is often a precursor to miracles. The feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-14) is another example, where a young boy’s offering of five loaves and two fish was multiplied to feed thousands. In both cases, a small act of giving became the catalyst for miraculous abundance.