40acts: The Lent Generosity ChallengeSample

Sometimes we can go through a whole day missing any chances to be generous. Today is all about noticing people and noticing their needs. 

The busyness of life, and a society that champions an inward focus, can mean that we stop seeing the needs around us. It is easy for us to focus on ourselves – our own worries and concerns – but God calls us to not be anxious about anything and, instead, to look to Him (Philippians 4:6–7). 

Showing God’s love to others, even through what you perceive to be ‘a small act’, can have a large impact. But we have to be aware enough to spot those opportunities.

  The woman was flustered. ‘Here – here,’ she said, ‘it’s, er, money.’ We had a brief exchange; the door closed behind her. It was almost as if she had never existed. Except the air rippled with her presence and I held the brown envelope she’d given me.

Before the woman went, leaving her envelope of four £20 notes with me, she said that she’d ‘come into some money’. She said that she’d once heard someone saying you should give away 10% of what you receive to a good cause. 

It struck me later that this woman had an immediate urge to give. It made me wonder how many times I’d seen someone I could help or thought of something I could do or give, and then let the moment go. 

Do your best not to let these moments go. Embrace them and take that leap of faith. In giving to others, you are bestowing thanks on God (2 Corinthians 9:12). So whether it be during your commute, at work, out at the shops: pay attention. Find those small ways to show a little of God’s love today. 

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

https://40acts.org.uk/act-2-people-watch/