In The United States, it’s Random Acts of Kindness Week. But what if some of us chose to make our acts intentional, and not random? What if every day for 40 days straight, we were intentionally generous to people we know, even to strangers? That’s what we’re challenging you to do during the season of Lent this year.
Lots of people give something up for lent. But what if you gave something away? Not just your money, but your time, your talent, your attention, your forgiveness?
Some of our friends tried this last year. Would you like to join for 2020? It’s something your whole family (and your friends too) can do together to promote generosity during this season of Lent.
Our friends at the British giving charity, Stewardship, are celebrating 10 years of practicing these 40 days of generosity, and they invite you to join too. This year, between February 26 and April 9, sign up for the generosity challenge any time before Lent at 40acts.org.uk.
Why 40acts instead of a traditional observance of Lent? Well, Jesus said it’s blessed to give, and research proves he’s right. (We didn’t really need the research to tell us, but ….) Generosity not only benefits the recipient of the generous act, but the giver too.
Small acts add up over time
Often, when we reflect on the size of the need in our world, it can actually drive us away from action. We see so many people in need and wonder if our small deeds will do anything to help.
Often, when we reflect on the size of the need in our world, it can actually drive us away from action.
But, what if each of us looked out for someone else? If each person taking part in 40acts reached out to just one other person, together they could positively impact the lives of nearly a quarter of a million people! Now imagine if we all did this … times 40. One small, generous act for a new person each day, for 40 days. If everyone impacted by 40acts turned around and did the same, the impact would be exponential.
Interested in joining this generous community?
Here’s how it works
Take the 40acts Challenge.
Then, on each of the 40 days of Lent, you’ll receive an email with a daily challenge to complete, alongside a short reflection from one of 40 different Christian writers, thinkers, and leaders.
You will also find free resources for families, churches, small groups, and schools on their site.
You can also follow along on Instagram or Facebook to watch videos and read stories about the experiences of others in the 40acts community. You can share your stories too, by including the hashtag #40acts on any of your social media platforms.
Lent marks a pivotal point in the history of the church, when Jesus prepared to give himself up as a sacrifice for all mankind. What could happen if we, who are called to be his body on earth (1 Corinthians 12:27), sacrificed a little bit of ourselves too?