Welcome to the SU Scotland Generosity Challenge! We are so glad you have joined us as we look to challenge ourselves to be generous over the next month (and beyond!).
When we are generous, it points people to God and shows something of his incredible nature. But it’s not always easy to be generous and to put others first. We all struggle with this. This 30-day challenge is designed to help you to step into the generous life God has called you to.
Let’s start making a difference today!
Let’s begin this Generosity Challenge with prayer. 1
Start by thanking God for all the gifts he has given you. Then ask him to help you to bless the socks off the people around you over this next month and beyond!
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Is there anything you could do to help out in your house today? Running the hoover around, weeding the garden or maybe helping cook the dinner?
Sometimes to be generous we need to be bold. Why don’t you take some time today to speak to someone you don’t know at school or uni. Maybe you could bless someone who doesn’t find it easy to make friends by reaching out to them.
Spend some time praying and asking God if there is anyone he wants you to encourage today.
Now go and bless that person with some words of encouragement!
Why not have a sort through your bedroom today — is there anything you could give away to someone else or to charity? Just think, if it will bring more joy to someone else than it does to you, it might be worth giving it away! 5
Think about the ways you find it difficult to be generous. You might find it hard to be generous with your money, your time, or perhaps your words. Ask God to help you to be more generous in these areas. 6
Pop to the shops today and buy a thoughtful gift for someone. It doesn’t have to be something big, just a little something to let them know you are thinking about them.
Today spend some time thinking about how you could serve in your church. You might be able to play in the worship band, welcome people at the door, or help serve tea and coffee. Find out who you need to speak to and volunteer!
In the Old Testament, we read that God expected his people to give their ‘first fruits’ to him (see Deuteronomy 26:1-11).
What do you think that means for us today?
Today have a think about how you could be generous with your time. Could you volunteer to help out with a local charity, or to help a neighbour with some chores, or maybe some litter picking around your neighbourhood?
Compliment someone today.
2 Corinthains 9:11 says, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
Ask God to use your generosity to open people’s eyes to him.
Leave a lovely online review for somewhere you have recently visited. 13
Research good news happening in the world today. What are you thankful for today? Be sure to thank God!
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Is there a treat you are planning to enjoy today?
Maybe you were planning to eat a chocolate bar or you have saved your last can of your favourite fizzy drink for today. Give it away to someone else! And don’t let them know what a sacrifice it is for you — we want them to feel good, not guilty!
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How can you be generous with your grace today?
Who do you hold a grudge against that you could forgive?
In Acts 20:35, Paul says “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Think of all the ways in which Jesus gave to people during his time on earth (you could check out one of the gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke or John – to help you out).
Today, make someone a cup of tea or coffee. And don’t wait for them to ask you!
SU Scotland’s vision is to see every child and young person in Scotland exploring the Bible and responding to the significance of Jesus.
We are a charity and can’t do that without generous donations from our supporters.
Could you make a donation today and help other young people to encounter Jesus?
P.S. if you are able to, setting up a small monthly donation really helps us to plan ahead and reach more children and young people with good news of Jesus.
A cost of a coffee or a can of coke a month could really help change lives!
Think about someone who has been generous to you. Write them a card or send them a text to say thanks!
Today, think about when you might next visit a coffee shop or restaurant (it could be today!), plan to leave a tip or maybe even offer to pay for someone else’s coffee or food!
Spend some time at church today getting to know someone new. It might feel scary, but you could open up with ‘I don’t think we’ve met before, my name is…’ and take it from there!
Be generous with your time praying — pray for someone today who you don’t normally pray for.
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Leave a kind note on the front door for the postman or delivery driver.
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Research your local area. Are there any local issues you could be praying for today?
Be generous with sharing your experiences — tell your friends about Magnitude or an SU Holiday you have been on and encourage them to join you next time.
Go for a walk today. What is God saying to you about generosity?
Give the gift of uninterrupted time with your family.
Could you go without your phone, headphones, tablet or console for a long period of time today?! 28
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Be generous with your skills. What are you good at that you could do for someone else today? It could be fixing things, creating a gift, cooking a meal, or anything you think would be appreciated!
You have reached the final day!
Thank God for the ways you have seen him use you to bless others over the last month. Ask him to help you to continue to live a life of generosity, and that people would encounter God’s love through your acts of generosity. 30
The SU Scotland Generosity Challenge provides a month’s worth of challenges and reflections on generosity. Designed to help you bless others and live the generous life that God has called you to.
