Giving Generously

Lent is about creating space for God in our lives.  One way in which people intentionally invite God into their lives through the Lenten Season is through the practice of generosity. For centuries, Lent has been an opportunity for followers of Christ to take stock of the gifts in their lives, look at their budgets, and ask God to help them to express their faith by sharing with others. Giving is an important expression of Christian values.

Jesus himself talked about money more than almost any other topic. Repeatedly in the Gospels, Jesus’ message doesn’t take root in a person’s life until it makes an economic impact and changes the way they use their resources.

An example is the story of Zacchaeus in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 19. Jesus says that salvation came to the house of Zacchaeus after he gave away half of all he owned and re-payed those who he had defrauded with four times what he had taken. For Zacchaeus, following Jesus meant he needed to have a radically different relationship with money.

What we give up for Lent shouldn’t be limited to food; it should extend to our possessions, our time, and our money. Lent forces us to consider that a budget is a moral document. It paints a picture of what we value in concrete terms. I encourage you to include God in your budget this Lent. Prayerfully consider any items that you should reduce or eliminate; then pray about what items you may want to add or expand. Make a plan to adjust your life, making room in your finances for what God is nudging you to do.

For some of us, it might mean taking a radical step like Zacchaeus. For others, the first step will be a little smaller. It might be as simple as cancelling one monthly service and setting up a recurring monthly donation to a charity you value. (You can support Hope Clinic at thehopeclinic.org/donate if you feel called.) I don’t know what God is calling you to do this Lent, but I encourage you to take some time to ask.