"Mark 12:41 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. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”"
This passage is one of the most misunderstood teachings of Jesus.
What Jesus is commenting on is the fact that the widow despite what little she had into the treasury as an offering, she actually gave more than those who were wealthier than her.
Jesus wasn't saying that everyone had to put everything in, nor was he advocating sowing your seed to some nutty televangelist from the apostate word faith movement.
The woman herself was willing to give to God what she had. This isn't to say the rich people were wrong necessarily for putting what they did into the treasury, but for sure, more could of been given.
Jesus certainly wasn't advocating that people should give their money to an evil ministry that seeks to use God's name as a means of financial gain, it is a misunderstanding and misrepresentation of what Jesus is trying to say.
It is not advocating Christians tithing either, but certainly has the principle of giving and it is not just how much you give to God, it's your attitude is well.
The topic of tithing is addressed here: http://answering-judaism.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/are-christians-required-to-tithe.html
It is worth noting the widow most definitely had her heart in the right place and the argument can be made regarding the rich people that though their gifts were indeed of high value, their heart may not have been in the right place and may have had a ritualistic attitude to giving God their gifts.
Any giving by a Christian should be done with an attitude of wanting to give to God out of gratitude, not for an ulterior motive and without grumbling. Why would God want a gift if you are not willing to give it?
Have a think on this and study the issue,
Answering Judaism.
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