Beyond self-sacrifice: why we want to expand our perspective of generosity in Lent 

Each yr, Lent invites us to contemplate what we’d sacrifice. It prompts the identical questions: What will you surrender? Sweet treats? Social media? We rightly enter a season of reflection, repentance and restraint as we walk towards Easter – as we walk towards the cross.

But what if this season will not be only about what we give up for ourselves, but about what we release for the nice of others?

For many, scarcity will not be a 40-day discipline; it’s each day life.

If Lent calls us to discover with Christ’s sacrifice made on the Cross during Easter, it also invites us to contemplate how we’d share with those which might be going without. 

Across the UK, people will not be simply ‘cutting back’ – they’re going without. Individuals and families are in real need of the fundamentals – groceries, heating, school equipment. These needs don’t pause during celebratory seasons; if anything, they turn into more visible.   

A report by Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), which conducts research aimed toward solving poverty in Britain, said the general poverty rate within the UK fell barely from 24% in 1994/95 to 21% in 2023/24, but “very deep poverty” edged up from 8% to 10%, now accounting for nearly half of everyone in poverty. 

Perhaps this Lent, the Church must expand the conversation. Yes, fast. Yes, pray. Yes, examine your heart.

But also give.

As we fast and pray, perhaps we must always also ask: what could we share? What might we release for the sake of another person?

We can all take motion 

It is straightforward to think that  generosity have to be large to matter. Yet often it’s the small, thoughtful acts that leave the best impression.

A contribution towards a particular need. A house cooked meal for a struggling family. A lift to the shops for somebody in need. An encouraging text. A listening ear. Supporting your local foodbank. Volunteering your time. These acts could seem unusual, but they convey something powerful: you might be seen, valued, and also you will not be alone.

Generosity in this manner, could support someone to make a fresh start; supporting them as they get back on their feet again.

These are the kinds of needs we’re still trying to fulfill today and that is what inspires the work we do at Acts 435 – The apostles distributed what that they had, similar to our advocates, based in churches and native charities.

In one case, a family required a baby cot, mattress and safety gates for his or her newborn child. After receiving support from donors through Acts 435, Sandra* said she felt “so good inside for a change.” The assistance brought a renewed sense of hope. Reflecting on the long run, she shared: “What an excellent future we’re going to have, and precious memories to return.”

The book in Acts within the twenty-first century

It’s in moments like this that we see Acts 4:32–35 lived out, where the Church refused to permit a necessity to take a seat unanswered amongst them. This passage describes the unconventional generosity of the early church where people even sold their homes to make certain no one among them lacked. Resources were placed on the apostles’ feet and distributed to those in need. 

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:7 cut against each guilt-driven appeals and cozy apathy: “God loves a cheerful giver.” Not a pressured giver. Not a reluctant giver. A cheerful one.

Christian generosity will not be about emotional manipulation or seasonal impulse. It is rooted in joy – the enjoyment of knowing that what we release from our hands may be utilized by God to fulfill someone at their point of need. This Lent, as we remember Christ’s sacrifice, perhaps we also can rediscover the gift of giving. Not only what we surrender, but what we give out. Share what you may have – not as owners, but as stewards.

Because when Christians give in this manner, it does greater than relieve practical hardship. It restores hope! It points people back to Jesus – whose life was marked by meeting people at their point of need. I’m reminded of the time Jesus healed a lame man, after 38 years of suffering. Reaching the pool of Bethesda on his own was no easy feat, but Jesus got here in, and met him at his need.

Lent provides a natural moment to reflect on this. As we examine our Christian walk, let’s also examine how open-handed we’re. Do we see our possessions and resources as ultimately ours, or as gifts entrusted to us?

When we voluntarily give something up during Lent, we step – albeit briefly – into the experience of lack. From this, we resolve whether that moment shapes our personal lives alone or prompts us to serve beyond ourselves.

Jenny Herrera is executive director of Acts 435 and has been involved within the charity since operations began in October 2009. She grew up in York, and is a chartered accountant by occupation. She also runs the Good Business Charter, and is actively involved in her local church. You can partner with Acts 435 here: acts435.org.uk/partner

*Name modified to guard confidentiality