In this week’s “Come, Follow Me” reading, we find the story of the widow’s mite in Luke 21:1-4. Jesus sees a woman casting two mites into the temple treasury. While other people are throwing in more, Christ tells the apostles “that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all” (Luke 21:3) because she offered everything she had.
This sentiment is echoed in the sermon King Benjamin gives his people in the Book of Mormon. As he is about to pass the kingdom on to his son, he gathers the people to teach them one last time. In his sermon in Mosiah 2-6, Benjamin advises the people that, when they serve each other, they are actually serving God.
These two sermons give us insight into how the Lord feels about our efforts to show our love for others and for Him. Regardless of whether that is through monetary contributions, serving in various capacities, or any other method, He sees and recognizes all of our efforts. This is a truth I often forget; I sometimes feel that my insignificant and imperfect efforts will never measure up to what Heavenly Father expects from me. It helps me to remember that President Nelson said, “…the Lord loves effort.” He loved the effort of the widow who offered all that she had, He loved the effort of Benjamin’s people who served one another, and He loves our efforts to come closer to Him, no matter how insignificant and imperfect they may seem.
-Emma Belnap