Some of us grew up in households that held Lent as a time of penance and giving things up that were important to us! I remember not eating meat on Friday's and giving up chocolate, or a favorite TV show, or something that I thought would be pleasing to God.
As we are in the season of Lent, I continually reflect on the thought of doing penance and giving things up in order to please God. This year I have decided to not give anything up; but I am trying to do more that would help me go deeper in my relationship with God.
We walk this journey daily; we are to walk according to the commands that God set our for us in the Scriptures. God tells us that we are to love God more and love our neighbors.
My question is:
What are you doing to follow these commands?
Are you preparing your heart?
How are you doing it?
Are you loving God more, by reading, praying, sharing and giving?
Or are you loving your neighbors, by, helping those that do not have, are you spending time with someone who needs a listening ear, are you providing a meal to a family who is going through a crisis or a medical issue?
All of these things will help you draw closer to the God of the universe. For God has called us to be friends to all people, all the time.
2 Thessalonians 2: 15
" With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter." (NLT)
Paul is telling us to be strong in our understanding and commitment to the teachings we have learned.
I encourage you during Lent to gain a firmer grip on what is right and good as found in
Micah 6:8b
"...to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (NLT)
Until next time.....
Rev. Patti
