40acts: The Lent Generosity ChallengeSample

If a generous act happens and no one knows who did it, did it actually happen?
It’s common to want some kind of public recognition for our generosity, even if that’s just a quiet thank you from the beneficiary. However, doing good things in secret is a chance for us to practise simply being a part of someone’s blessing.

The two main characters in every generosity story are God, who gives us what we have to offer in the first place, and the person who receives our generosity. The truth is we play a supporting role in how God blesses someone. Sometimes that comes with recognition; sometimes it doesn’t. 

When living generously, we should set out with the intention of being part of God’s plan to bless someone else. 

I remember a young family that struggled to make ends meet. In the run-up to Christmas, when we were saving hard to buy presents for our families, God told us to give that family some money anonymously. I was a little taken aback; after all, I’d done my budgeting and it didn’t allow for a generous gift! But He was very clear.

So, we made arrangements for the money to make it to them safely without their discovering the source. Soon after, we were traveling up to the Millennium Dome to enjoy the Christmas festivities, and the wife of that same family came with us. She was overflowing with excitement as she shared the story of receiving money that was exactly the amount they needed. I had not been prepared for how full my heart became when I heard the impact that our small step of obedience had. I was literally overwhelmed with such gratitude and love… and had a hard time keeping it in.

I know that generosity often reaps its own rewards, but, as Matthew 6 suggests, our God does indeed bless those who do it in secret. 

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Today let your generosity speak for itself.

Find more about today’s 40acts challenge on our blog:   

https://40acts.org.uk/act-27-disappearing-act/