Giving (Up) for Lent?

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:38 NLT - Jesus


Every year, around this time, the question is the same. “What are you giving up for Lent?”, as if it is some kind of formula to make us right with God as we prepare for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It’s not a bad thing to give something up if it is harmful, but that is true and important at any time of year, not just Lent.


How about taking a different approach this year? Instead of giving up something for the 40 days of lent, how about we just “give” for the whole year? There is something nice about being kind, or saying hello to a stranger, or visiting a sick friend, or dropping a card to a recent widow/er, or making that overdue phone call to the old friend you lost contact with, and the list could go on.


So, how about it? How about giving up on the “giving up” this lenten season, and instead be positive and decide to GIVE in its place? I think it would be more rewarding, but don’t take my word for it, try for yourself and see. Maybe next lent, you won’t be giving anything up!