Generosity isn’t about wealth - it’s about a heart open to others. From small acts of kindness to giving out of what we have, God invites us to reflect His love and provision. This Lent, how could you live with open hands, trusting that generosity blesses both the giver and the receiver?
Generosity has been part of my story for as long as I can remember. Growing up in South Africa, I witnessed extreme poverty every day, but I also saw my parents’ incredible kindness and faithfulness in the face of it. Although we didn’t have much - during most of my childhood, my dad was a full-time student and my mum worked part-time - they always made sure we shared what we had.
I still remember the way my parents would involve us in their giving. If we hadn’t played with a toy or worn certain clothes for a while, they would gently remind us to think about others who might need them more. My sister and I would gather our things, knowing they’d go to children who had very little. Even excess food was carefully given to anyone who could use it. That’s how I learned generosity wasn’t about wealth; it was about having a heart open to others.
As I’ve grown, this lesson has stayed with me. Generosity is about reflecting God’s love in practical ways. It’s an act of worship and trust, an acknowledgment that everything we have - our money, time, and talents - comes from Him. Jesus said, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). He invites us to give, not from guilt or obligation, but from joy and gratitude.
Living generously also helps us break free from the scarcity mindset our culture promotes. I’ve learned firsthand that when we step out in faith and give, God shows up. My family has faced moments of uncertainty, but each time we’ve trusted God with our giving, He has provided - sometimes in surprising and miraculous ways.
This Lent, let’s ask ourselves: how can we reflect God’s generosity to the world? Whether it’s through our finances, our time, or simply small acts of kindness, let’s choose to live with open hands and open hearts. Generosity transforms both the giver and the receiver, drawing us closer to the One who gave it all.
Janie Oliver, Stewardship
Reflect
"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". 2 Corinthians 9:7–8 (NIV)
Pray
Pray for a heart that reflects God’s generosity, giving freely and joyfully in response to His love. Ask God to help you trust Him with what you have, knowing that He provides for every need. Pray for the wisdom to see where your time, resources, or small acts of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life.
Act
Acts for you to consider today:
| Put together a bag of blessings and give it away. Think of small items that bring you joy and put them in a little gift bag or box, all tied together with a bright bow! | ||
| Leave coins taped to a car park/vending machine or in a supermarket trolley. | ||
| Fill a bag with clothes or toys that you, or your children, haven’t worn/played with in a while. Find a local charity to donate these to. |
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About Stewardship
Our vision is to see a thriving Kingdom economy where God’s people steward resources generously to advance the Gospel.
We serve Christian donors, workers, charities and churches in the UK and beyond called to faithfully steward their personal, professional or ministry resources for God's glory.
Founded over a century ago by a small group of Christians who partnered to facilitate financial support for Christian ministries, today we help over 30,000 people experience the joy of generosity, giving more than £100 million each year in support of over 6,000 charities, 4,000 churches and 2,000 Christian workers.
