The Widow's Generosity

1 Kings 17:12-14

“She replied, 'As surely as the Lord your God lives, I don't have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat—and die.' Elijah said to her, 'Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: "The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry."'”

Widow of Zarephath's faith and provision

Mark 12:41-44

“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. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, '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.'”

Widow's mite as supreme offering

Sahih Bukhari Hadith

“The Prophet said, 'The best of charity is the charity of a widow who gives from her little. She gives though she has little, and this giving comes from a heart full of faith and trust in the Almighty.'”

Islamic teaching on widow's charity

Peta Vatthu (Tales of the Hungry Ghosts)

“A poor woman, with nothing but rice gruel, offered it to a wandering monk. Though she had barely enough for herself, she gave with a joyful heart. Through this act of dana, she created immense merit and eventually attained rebirth in a celestial realm.”

Poor woman's dana bringing celestial rebirth

Karva Chauth tradition

“Women undertake fasts and rigorous devotions for the welfare and longevity of their husbands, offering their own comfort and nourishment. This sacrifice from the heart, performed with love and faith, is considered the highest form of devotion.”

Women's sacrificial devotion in Hindu tradition

Ruth 2:2-3

“So Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, 'Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.' Naomi said to her, 'Go ahead, my daughter.' So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz.”

Ruth's dignified labor from want