The season of Lent provides the perfect framework to reflect on your life. Are you the best disciple of Jesus Christ that you can be? Is God truly first in your life, in every area of your life? Even in trials and difficulties, can you look back and find that God has blessed you? How do you respond to Him for those blessings?
As stewards, as disciples of Jesus, we acknowledge that the greatest gifts that God gives us are mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love. And the grandest of all gifts is that our faith in Him brings us to eternal life with Him in heaven. Our best response, in all humility and overwhelming gratitude, is the intentional practice of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving.
Prayer purifies our intentions and relates everything we do to God.
Fasting detaches us from ourselves and our comforts.
Almsgiving is giving to the needs of the poor and reflects our brother/sisterhood with them. It is imitating the generosity of Jesus and reminds us that our wealth is not in things, but in the love of God.
Here are a few Bible verses on giving:
- Luke 11:41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.
- Deuteronomy 26:10 “Now, therefore, I have brought the first fruits of the products of the soil which you, LORD, have given me.” You shall set them before the LORD, your God, and you shall bow down before the LORD, your God.
- Sirach 7:10 Do not be impatient in prayer or neglect almsgiving.
- Sirach 35:4 One who gives alms presents a sacrifice of praise.
This Lent, and always, put God first in every facet of your life:
- First in your Time – offering your day to God in prayer.
- First in your Talents – using them to serve others; fasting from self-serving intentions.
- First in your Treasure – giving alms to help the most vulnerable amongst us.
May God bless you in this season of Lent.
#Pray #Fast #Give