Lent has a way of slowing us down and helping us pay attention to the things that shape our hearts. Over the past several weeks, many of our groups at East Side have been walking through our Lent journals together, and this week’s focus—generosity—invites us to take an honest look at how tightly we hold on to what we’ve been given. Generosity isn’t really about how much we have or even how much we give. It’s about our posture. Are our hands closed, holding tightly to what we think we need, or are they open in trust toward God?

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Scripture reminds us again and again that generosity reflects the very heart of God. He gives freely—life, breath, provision, forgiveness—and invites us to live the same way. In a culture that constantly tells us to hold on tighter, save more, and accumulate for security, generosity is a countercultural act of trust. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9, those who sow generously will also reap generously. When we loosen our grip on our time, resources, and attention, we begin to discover the joy that comes from trusting God with what we have and what we’ll need.

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This week in your Lent rhythm—whether you’re reading passages like Matthew 6:19–21, praying the Lord’s Prayer each morning, or gathering with your group—consider one simple question: What’s one act of generosity that would stretch your trust in God this week? Maybe it’s meeting a need, giving something away, or offering your time and attention to someone who needs it. Generosity isn’t just about giving things—it’s about forming a heart that reflects the open-handed grace we’ve received from God.