Lent Is Not Just About Giving Things Up: Why the Church Must Start Giving to the Poor

Why Christians Must Rethink Generosity This Lent and Start Giving to Those Who Need It Most

Jenny Herrera, Executive Director of Acts 435, is calling on Christians to rethink their approach to Lent this year. Writing in Christian Today, Herrera argues that while fasting and self denial are important spiritual disciplines, they should not overshadow an equally vital calling: generosity toward those in genuine need.

The article highlights sobering data from the UK, where overall poverty rates have declined slightly from 24% in 1994/95 to 21% in 2023/24. However, "very deep poverty" has actually increased from 8% to 10%, now affecting nearly half of all people living below the poverty line.

For many, scarcity is not a 40 day discipline; it is daily life.

Herrera points to the early church described in Acts 4:32 35, where believers shared everything they had and even sold homes to ensure no one among them lacked. She also references 2 Corinthians 9:7, emphasizing that Christian giving should flow from joy, not guilt or obligation.

The Acts 435 charity has helped over 50,000 individuals in the UK facing crisis or hardship. The organization connects those who want to give directly with those in need through a network of local churches and charities. Requests typically cover specific one off needs such as white goods, school uniforms, or travel costs.

Herrera stresses that generosity does not need to be grand to matter. She encourages small, thoughtful acts: a home cooked meal for a struggling family, a lift to the shops, an encouraging text, supporting a local foodbank, or volunteering your time.

These acts may seem ordinary, but they communicate something powerful: you are seen, valued, and you are not alone.

One example shared in the article describes a family receiving baby supplies through Acts 435, with the mother expressing renewed hope for their future.

Lent 2026: How the Church Can Lead the Way in Fighting UK Poverty Through Generosity

As Christians across the UK and beyond observe the Lenten season, Herrera's message is clear: this is not just a time for personal sacrifice, but an opportunity to rediscover the gift of giving. The 40acts initiative, partnered with Christian charities including Acts 435, offers a structured way for believers to practice daily acts of generosity throughout Lent 2026.

The Crusader's Opinion

We spend 40 days giving up chocolate and coffee and call it sacrifice. Meanwhile, families in our own congregations cannot afford to feed their children. That is not a Lenten discipline problem. That is a church problem. The early believers in Acts did not just pray for the poor. They sold their possessions and shared everything. If we are serious about following Christ, then our fasting must produce fruit. Not just thinner waistlines, but fuller pantries for our brothers and sisters who are drowning in poverty while we debate whether to give up social media for six weeks. Real sacrifice costs something. Real generosity changes someone's life.

Take Action

• Donate directly to individuals in crisis through Acts 435, where 100% of donations go to specific needs posted by local church advocates.
• Sign up for the 40acts Lent Generosity Challenge to receive daily prompts for acts of generosity throughout Lent.
• Support persecuted and impoverished Christians worldwide through The Shepherd's Shield.
• Volunteer at your local food bank or contact the Trussell Trust to find one near you.
• Talk to your pastor or church leadership about establishing an Acts 435 advocate in your congregation to connect those in need with those who can give.