Journey Through Lent

There are three elements that are almost always part of Lent: prayer, giving something up and giving something back. - Elizabeth Hyndman

The first is not always seen as a Lenten priority, whilst the second is most probably the most well known. Yet, the third option is perhaps the least of the emphasis we consider as a Lenten practice. 

I once suggested to a Christian Book Shop manager that there should be a Lent Calendar similar to the children’s chocolate Advent Calendar.  The only difference being that the behind each daily door to opened was an empty space into which we would place something of ourselves in service to others.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7 we read”Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

This Bible verse on giving confirms that we shouldn’t feel compelled to give, or guilty if we don’t.

God makes it clear that the amount given isn’t the most important thing. The heart and attitude of the giver is what matters.

So when we give to others—whether it’s to those in need or to the work of the Lord’s kingdom—we should do so with joy and thanksgiving, because God loves a cheerful giver. God wants the ground of our lives to be fertile and fruitful. So it is right that we give thanks for the areas of our lives in which we have worked with God and we try to recognise those places we have left lie fallow.

It is worth thinking of God as a cheerful giver, who takes a real pleasure in us as we receive the gifts that God offers to us. So today, why not rejoice with God, taking time to be thankful and allowing gratitude to shape us and to make us more generous.

We give in grateful thanksgiving for all that God has given us.

In the upside down world of the gospel,

we measure our wealth not by what we have,

but what we can give away.

Let us give away generously, so that our in offering,

may bless your church, your people, and your creation. Amen