February 16, 2021
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. – Colossian 3:12-14
Today is the day before the beginning season of Lent. A day in history known as Shrove Tuesday, or sometimes “Fat Tuesday,” which comes from the French term Mardi Gras. For many this is the day to eat pancakes, or the rich, fatty delicacies that one might give up for the penitential season of Lent. Yet, this feasting day is also a time for self-examination, a time to consider what it is that we should repent during the coming 40 days, as well as what might help us to grow closer to Christ between now and the Resurrection celebration of Easter.
Each year, we all probably have our little sacrifices, of chocolate, or alcohol, or the things that might help us to be a little healthier. I tried to give up coffee one year, and failed miserably. After my weeklong headache, I decided some things should never be given up. Considering how the pandemic started in the beginning weeks of Lent last year, we may feel as though we have given up a lot already. This year, we may instead decide to start taking something on. Finding those things that might help us grow ever closer to Christ.
Paul, in his letter to the Colossians writes about putting on these things: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience… Above all, he writes, put on love, the perfect bond. The act of putting on, is something that takes effort, or work. Some days putting on these things may seem easy, but others they may be more difficult. However, as we seek to draw closer to Christ, preparing for the Resurrection celebration of Easter, we could, and should find ways to reflect the love of Christ to others around us.
I invite you to spend some times today, thinking, praying; what can I do, to show more kindness, compassion, humility, love? To whom can I show it? And How will I share Christ?
If we make the effort, put in the work, we might find that we grow in our faith by taking on rather than giving up. I pray you will find new ways to put on Christ’s love as we grow in perfect harmony this season of Lent.
Grace & Peace,
Sam