Simply Soul Searching

WEEK TWO: RELATIONSHIPS

REASSURE

Colossians 3:12-17 (NRSV)

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved… (v. 12)

My friend Nancy and I were talking about this beautiful passage as we walked together one morning. Her version of verse 12 was, “As God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved…” I still remember how she spoke the words with such gentleness, a lilt in her voice. I could sense how much these words touched her heart and soul. Since then, each time I think of this passage, I can hear her say these words with incredulous awe, tenderness and reverence. I can feel her humble gratitude and amazement that God considers her holy, that God loves her dearly. My soul has been blessed because I was able to witness how God’s love had such an effect on her. (Thank you, Nancy!)

Jim and I have this entire passage (Colossians 3:12-17) framed to serve as a reminder of who we are and how we are to act- because of who we are. Tomorrow we will look at the rest of the verses. But for today, verse 12 serves as all we need to reassure one another in this life together. The word reassure means to encourage and uplift, but also to comfort and soothe.

Knowing that we are God’s chosen ones encourages and uplifts us when we are feeling inadequate or fearful. Reassured that the Creator of the universe believes in us, enables us, and has chosen us to live and be in this world, we can find hope, strength and courage.

Knowing that we are holy and beloved comforts and soothes us when we are feeling broken or brokenhearted. Reassured that the Creator of the universe forgives us, heals us, considers us holy in spite of ourselves, and dearly loves us- even (and especially) during the worst of times- we can find peace, relief, and even joy.

We are all chosen. We are all holy. We are all beloved. Jesus made that clear. The difference is that we who love and follow Jesus already know we are. THIS is the good news we must share with those who long to know that they are chosen, holy, and beloved, too.  May you be reassured by these words of Paul today. May you journey through this day in the reverent, incredulous awe of knowing just how precious you are to God, the Creator of the universe.

How do these words reassure you today? How does knowing YOU are God’s chosen, that YOU are holy and beloved, inspire you to live this day?

Do you have people in your thoughts who need to be encouraged and uplifted? How might you reassure them that they are chosen by God, just as they are?

Do you have people in your heart who need to be comforted and soothed? How might you reassure them that they are holy and beloved, especially in their brokenness?

God, Creator of the Universe,

With humble, grateful hearts we thank you for choosing us, for considering us holy, and for calling us your beloved ones. We know that we do not always live up to this ideal; instead, you are the one who chooses us to be your holy and beloved ones. This is all gift and grace. Thank you for reassuring us with your comforting, soothing, uplifting and encouraging love. Help us to share your love with others, generously and always. Amen.

WEEK TWO: RELATIONSHIPS

RESPECT

Romans 12:10 (NRSV)

…love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 

#MeToo. Black Lives Matter. PRIDE. All over the United States, people are taking a stand against the harassment, abuse and discrimination of women, people of color, and LGBTQ people. It is unimaginable that these groups are still fighting for even the most basic rights of equality and justice. In addition, hate crimes and attacks against them continue every day. People are being treated as “lesser than” instead of equals.

I have noticed more ridicule and bias against men, too. Television programs that make them look like imbeciles. Talk shows that consist of put downs, insults and crude jokes. Wives gathered over coffee to complain or laugh about their husbands. We have a long way to go in fostering mutual honor and respect from all, for all.

As we journey that long way to go, Paul and Jesus tell us to take the high road. Paul instructs us to “outdo one another in showing honor.” Jesus speaks of respecting one another, too. “Do to others as you would have them do to you (Luke 6:31).” “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35).”

Our word for today, “respect,” has several superb meanings, including esteem, value, revere, appreciate, and accept. Can you imagine a world where everyone was regarded in these beautiful ways?

We are to oppose injustice and to stand up for those who are oppressed. But we do not do this by putting others down, hurling insults, or abusing them in any way. We first must become an example of the ideal for which we are striving. Often our knee-jerk reaction to someone who is insulting and hateful is to return the same (“he did it first- he had it coming- he deserves a taste of his own medicine”). We seem to think Jesus said, “Do to others as they did to you.” But we are called to behave differently, to walk as lights of love in this world.

Kahlil Gibran said, “To belittle is to be little.”

On her blog, Maddie shared, “Never dim anyone else’s light so that you can shine. Just shine.” (http://sequinsinthecityy.blogspot.com/2015/03

We are to speak, we are to write, we are to vote, we are to peacefully protest, we are to help uplift those oppressed. We are also to model dignity, honor and respect for every person while we act. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” How fully Jesus showed this to be true, with his life of complete, sacrificial love! If we were to outdo one another in showing honor, people would no longer be considered “lesser than”- in fact, they would be elevated to “better than” ourselves. We begin by regarding them with esteem, reverence and value.

So let us outdo one another in showing honor.

Are there any new ways you might work for justice, equality and respect for all people?

When a group discussion becomes disrespectful or hurtful of others, how do you react? Would you find it helpful to have a plan or words in mind to use when this occurs?

How might you more visibly shine as an example of one who respects and honors all human beings? Is there anything from which you would need to refrain?

Loving Jesus,
You teach us to live differently in this world. Help us to walk the higher path of light and love as we work for the dignity, well-being and equality of everyone. Form us into models of kindness, honor and respect. Guard our words. Guide our actions. Grace us with your presence. We have so much to do! Help us to begin. Amen.

WEEK TWO: RELATIONSHIPS

RECOGNIZE

Ephesians 4: 1-6

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

As part of our history class, we were shown a short silent film about the Civil War. The story begins with two young twin brothers happily playing together. We then witness their deep sadness as they are separated to live with different relatives after their parents die. The final profound and emotional scene is when they recognize each other years later. They are facing each other on opposite sides of a Civil War battlefield. Once close-knit, loving brothers have now become enemies, only because of such life circumstances as their location and family upbringing.

This profound, sad story continues today- all over the world.

We all are one family of God. As Paul says in Ephesians, we have “one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” Every person is God’s beloved child. Not only are we connected as ‘family’ with one Father, we are also connected by God within us! And God created this world as one home for all of us to live together in unity and peace.

But like the boys in the movie, we too, have separated and then become enemies with one another. We are born as innocent siblings of God’s one human family. Then we begin to see differences (and we are taught differences), and we divide ourselves according to culture, race, gender, religious belief, family upbringing, political party, nationality, and so on. We divide our one world- a world that is meant to be shared- by country, state, neighborhood, school system, individual property lines, and income levels. And so we forget that we are all kindred brothers and sisters, with the same God over us and within us.

Note this: these two young men, except for fate and circumstance, could each have ended up on the other side from where they stood! You and I are standing where we are, believing what we believe, belonging where we belong- mainly because of our life experiences and what we have learned to be our truth along the way. We could easily have been born in another time, another place, under different circumstances, and our truth would be much different.

We each could have become our own enemy.

Today, may we strive to recognize one another as kindred people connected by God on this one world. Today, may we look beyond our differences in order to recognize one another…

as brothers and sisters

as fellow human beings

as children of God

as fellow travelers through life

as sharers of this one world

as Jesus (“as much as you did to the least of these, you did to me…”)

as sacred vessels of God within

… as ourselves.

Can you recall any lessons or “truths” that you once were taught but no longer hold true?

What circumstances in your life do you regard as blessings? Are there any you consider hindrances?

Who has been an example of unity and love for you? Is there a saint who has helped you find the commonalities we all share within our diversity? Have you been that saint for others?

Is there someone in your heart whom you need to recognize with a new, loving vision?

Loving God and Father of ALL,

We know that your desire is that we live in unity and peace, to love and serve you, and to love one another as ourselves. Forgive us for the many ways we choose to see differences instead of connections and similarities! Help us to recognize ourselves in others. Most of all, help us to recognize YOU in all of us. Amen.

WEEK TWO: RELATIONSHIPS

RECTIFY

 MATTHEW 18:15-17 (NRSV)

If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Jesus is teaching us how to rectify someone who has done wrong. At first, his instruction seems confrontational and harsh, but we know that Jesus is teaching us the most loving and faithful way to rectify problems with another person. Jesus’ words are especially important for the life of the church. So often, people of faith hesitate to confront anyone, because doing so seems unkind. Words of correction are also very difficult to say face to face. We may tell ourselves that we will just forgive and forget about the issue, but end up telling others instead- and the gossip and triangulation begin.

We all make mistakes. We all need gentle correction from time to time. It hurts SO much more to receive criticism from a third person rather than the one we have wronged. Not only do we feel embarrassed by our sin, we also feel singled out. We feel as if we haven’t been given a chance to explain. We wonder how many others have heard about us. We may assign the wrong intent for the words said because we aren’t hearing them from the person directly; words said lovingly or gently may be perceived as critical or malicious when we hear them from someone else.

It seems to me that texts, emails and messages have become our “third person” these days. We find we can more easily send off a complaint or try to rectify a problem without speaking to a person directly. I once emailed a mom about her daughter’s misbehavior during a youth group event. I mistakenly believed that I could explain everything better in writing (and to be honest, I didn’t want to face her). The poor mom opened the email while she was at work- not a good time to receive such news. She read my message as critical and accusatory. I’m sure no emoji or sticker could convey my loving intention. She was justifiably sad, upset and angry. We had a better conversation later, but the damage had been done.

Jesus shows us a better way. When we speak individually and directly with a person, we are more likely to convey our message with gentleness, respect and love. Rather than send an angry text in a moment of frustration, we instead consider our words carefully, allow time to regroup, and even evaluate whether the issue is that important. Adding two or three others when necessary also helps us to hold one another accountable- is what we are feeling or witnessing valid and true? As followers of Christ, we are called to take the better way, no matter how difficult. Jesus gives us the best way to rectify- perhaps the uncomfortable way, but the right and loving way.

Recall a time when you received correction or complaints from a third person or a written message. How did you react- and how willing were you to rectify whatever wrong you had done?

How do you handle gossip? Is there a difference between gossiping and simply listening to gossip?

How might we hold one another accountable to Jesus’ way of rectifying? Are there any changes you could make to your way of rectifying problems with others?

Loving God,

You know so well that none of us are perfect! Thank you for loving us anyway. Help us to strengthen our loving relationships by following the ways of Jesus. Guide us as we hold one another accountable.  Help us to rectify any wrongdoings with grace, truth, kindness, trust, and respect for one another- in person. Amen.

WEEK TWO: RELATIONSHIPS

RECONCILE

Matthew 5:21-24 (NRSV)

You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment… Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

A few years ago I was attending a worship service at a new church for the first time. I was relieved that the worship practices were familiar and comfortable for me. But right before the offering was collected, most of the people stood up and walked out! The pastor just smiled and said, “Try to back in an hour so we can continue our service.”

No, this didn’t really happen. But if we were to truly heed Jesus’ words, every worship service would be interrupted by people who need to make amends before offering their gifts. Most of us have at least a few folks with whom we should reconcile!

The word reconcile means to restore friendship and harmony, resolve differences, or to make consistent or congruent. As followers of Christ, we are to do all we can to restore harmony and resolve differences when we have hurt or conflicted with someone. How often do we choose instead to distance ourselves from one another? How often do we choose to let our anger smolder and burn? How often do we cover our embarrassment by making flimsy excuses? We are instructed to do better.

The Lutheran Church of the ELCA has a beautiful worship practice of sharing the peace with one another. The practice is explained at http://www.elca.org:

The “exchange of peace” (or “sharing the peace”) is an act of reconciliation… The exchange of peace is a ministry, an announcement of grace we make to each other, a summary of the gift given to us in the liturgy of the Word… Because of the presence of Jesus Christ, we give to each other what we are saying: Christ’s own peace. 

This practice is a demonstrative acknowledgement that I am broken, we all are broken, but we are forgiven and united through Christ- and so we all can share his precious peace. I once had the very difficult and yet beautiful opportunity to share the peace with someone at a time when our relationship was strained. I wasn’t being noble or holy- I just wasn’t given much choice- the person was right near me! But oh, I felt such peace afterward, and I was able to worship without the guilt, anger, regret, and embarrassment that had burdened me.

Jesus compares our anger with someone as ‘judge-able’ as murder. Jesus knows that our mutual anger, hostility and resentment are actually killing US. Jesus knows that we can worship God wholeheartedly only when we see one another as equally beloved and forgiven children of God. Jesus calls us to be his diverse yet congruent Body of Christ, brought together in peace and harmony to worship and to serve.

Did anyone come to mind as you read this devotion- someone with whom you may need to reconcile?

How might the practice of sharing the peace serve as a guide for you to make amends?

There are times when our efforts of reconciliation are not welcomed, or when we are not able to reconcile with someone because of distance, time, or even safety concerns. How might you offer reconciliation with yourself?

Loving Christ Jesus,

You love all of us, and you desire that we love one another. Your way of genuine love includes making amends and reconciling with those we have hurt. Give us the awareness, the wisdom, and the courage to do so! Please forgive us for the hurts we have caused. Help us to unite with others in order to serve and worship you wholeheartedly… with pure hearts that have been reconciled… sharing the peace that comes to us only from you.  Amen.

WEEK ONE: REPENTANCE

 REBUKE

Proverbs 3:5-6, 11-12 (NIV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

…Do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not resent his rebuke,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
    as a father the son he delights in.

Today is our last reflection on the Repentance theme this week. If you’re feeling like I am, you are ready for a break from thinking of our brokenness and our need for repentance! The sad news from Florida has also deeply affected my soul. We are so very broken and I could despair. I am very ready for words such as rejoicing and resurrection, aren’t you? But what a gift we have; as people of faith, we know that the rejoicing and resurrection will come, as they have come before.

But for today we have one more gloomy word to consider: Rebuke. I would rather not think about this one! I want to think of God as one who “reminds” rather than “rebukes.” I want to imagine Jesus as a kind, warm, gentle man who laughs off my sins and loves me anyway. I am uncomfortable when I read passages such as Mark 8:33, when Jesus rebukes his dear disciple Peter by saying, “Get behind me, Satan!” Ouch!

The blessing comes when I understand how Jesus’ words of correction are spoken totally out of love for US. Jesus doesn’t rebuke to serve any of his own needs. These are not words from a demanding supervisor who needs to meet a sales quota, or a cranky teacher who wants to finish the history lesson without interruption, or an abusive parent who wants to stop us from annoying him. Jesus only wants us all to experience the joy of living as his followers. Even a loving, caring parent cannot rebuke as perfectly as Jesus does. Loving parents may discipline children with the good intention of guiding them into joyful living, too. But what brings a parent joy may not be the same for the child! Jesus rebukes us perfectly, knowing us better than we know ourselves.

Another blessing is that many Old Testament writers believed that people were physically punished by God for their sins, but now, through Jesus, we know our God to be a God of mercy and forgiveness. We are corrected, not punished (except for natural consequences) as God teaches us and reveals our sinfulness. The merciful grace of God frees us through forgiveness, but the loving grace of God perfects us through discipline. Because of Jesus, we can receive admonishment with joy and gratitude.

We feel God’s rebuke when our hearts are troubled, convicted or shamed through Bible passages, Jesus’ words and life, words from other dear ones who care for us, and through the Spirit in our own prayerful thoughts. Our sinful ways are revealed, as well as better ways to live and to be. As the verses remind us, we should consider God’s rebuke a gift. God is guiding our paths to make them straight (and joyful), because we are so deeply loved.

Consider the rebuke, “STOP DOING THAT!” How would you feel hearing those words from a supervisor? From a spouse? From a stranger? From Jesus? Note the differences in their significance and your reaction to them.

Do you remember a time when you felt God’s rebuke or a correction of a path in your life? Recall this with thankfulness. What joys resulted?

Loving God,

None of us enjoy being corrected, but thank you for your loving rebuke and discipline. We are so grateful and joyful that Jesus forgave us, but now help us to grow in perfect obedience to your will- so we may know the joy that comes in doing so. Thank you that we know every correction is only for us; only for us to discover the joy of living according to your ways.  Amen.

WEEK ONE: REPENTANCE

REND

JOEL 2:12-13 (NRSV)

“Even now,” declares the Lord,
    “return to me with all your heart,
    with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Rend your heart
    and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
    and he relents from sending calamity.

The Old Testament prophet Joel is warning of terrible judgment coming upon the Israelites. But “even now” at the last moment, he implores the people of God to repent, to return to their God who is “gracious and compassionate.” The God who keeps covenants and always shows mercy. The God who is “slow to anger and abounding in love.” We are blessed to have such a God- who is always for us, always merciful with us, always loving us!

Our word for today is ‘rend.’ To rend means to tear, shred or rip. Rending was a custom for the Jewish people- to intentionally rip their clothes as an expression of anger, grief or shame. In this passage, Joel encouraged the people to rend their hearts rather than just their clothing. Joel’s words for us are profound. More than the symbolic ritual of rending our clothes, the rending of our hearts is deep, painful and life-changing.

Though we are not actually physically rending our hearts, in our repentance Joel implores us to grasp and fully suffer the pain of our sinfulness. When our hearts feel torn open by grief, shredded by guilt, and ripped apart by our shame, we more fully comprehend just how much we need God’s merciful healing and forgiveness. Rending our hearts creates a raw, vulnerable, sensitive, tender and open wound in which God can really work. Our hearts also become desperate, eager and responsive for the healing touch of God’s love, mercy and guidance. And our hearts become filled with gratitude for our God who IS gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love!

May every wound upon our hearts create a precious opening for God’s in-pouring love and light. May every scar upon our hearts form a seal of God’s healing, forgiveness and restoration.

“Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God” (~Bob Pierce). In what ways do you sense the world is breaking God’s heart today? In what ways do you sense that you are breaking God’s heart today?

In rending your heart, how might your wounds become an opening for God- an opportunity for God to work through you- to heal those heart-breaking things?

Consider the ways God has healed your heart. How might this scarred “seal of God’s healing, forgiveness and restoration” serve as a blessing for God in your life?

Gracious and compassionate God,

Help us to know the magnitude of our sin and the magnificence of your love as we rend our hearts today. Amen.

WEEK ONE: REPENTANCE

RENEGE

ROMANS 7:19 (NRSV)

For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.

I learned to play Euchre at a junior high sleepover years ago. The rules are simple but I had trouble remembering those Jacks of trump! So many times I was told that I had “reneged.” I was excused the first few times but eventually the other players grew exasperated by my mistakes. Why couldn’t I remember? I KNEW the rules.

I love Paul’s honesty in our passage for today. Paul humbly and openly admits that the sinfulness within him keeps him from doing what is right. I wanted to follow the rules and play fairly in Euchre, but I didn’t always succeed. Both Paul and I wanted to do the right thing, but in spite of this, we kept on doing what we didn’t want to do!

The Merriam Webster online dictionary defines renege as “to go back on a promise or commitment.” In this week I have already reneged on the Lenten practices I was going to do. The truth is, we all renege- every single day. As followers of Christ, we are called to follow Jesus and to obey his commandments, but we often fail. Here are just a few for us to consider…

In our daily living, do we consistently deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Jesus? Do we love God with all our heart, soul and mind? Do we love our neighbor as ourselves? Do we love our enemies? Do we forgive seventy times seven? Do we sell our possessions and give the money to the poor?  Do we keep awake and ready for his presence? Do we  take nothing for our journey? Do we not worry? Do we welcome little children or become like them? Do we become last and the servant of all?

We are not alone in our reneging. All through the Bible, we read of people who made promises to God but then broke them. We read of people who knew what was right but didn’t perfectly obey. God has always kept God’s covenant. God’s people were the ones who failed.

In my younger years, in times of desperation I was often tempted to bargain with God. “God, if you only would do this… then I will do that…” Now I know better than to bargain with God! I know that I will never perfectly keep my end of the deal. I’m so relieved and grateful that God’s good promises and hope for my life do not depend on my perfect obedience, only God’s complete love, mercy and unbroken covenant with me.

What promises to others have you “reneged” on in recent times- perhaps  even unintentionally- due to busyness, forgetfulness, or distraction?

Just for today, what broken commandment can you hear Jesus reminding you to try again?

As you consider God’s unfailing love and unbroken promises in your life, how would you like to thank God today?

Loving God,
Thank you for always keeping your promises to us. We have made promises to you. We have wanted to perfectly serve and obey you, but we have failed often! In fact, we know we fail every day. We are very sorry, and we ask for your forgiveness. Thank you for keeping your covenant with us in spite of our broken, imperfect selves. But help us to keep trying, and give us your power through Christ to do better. Amen.

WEEK ONE: REPENTANCE

REMOVE

MATTHEW 7:1-5 (NRSV) 

Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.

I have written of this before, but this passage always has me asking, “Why couldn’t Jesus just tell us to remove the speck in our own eye before we remove the speck in our neighbor’s eye? Why do I have to have a log when my neighbor only has a speck?”

Jesus is pointing out the difficulty we have in seeing our own flaws. But could Jesus also be showing us that our judgment of the faults of others reveals how much our own faults are troubling us?

In her article, “How to Be Less Critical,” Brené Brown writes,

One way to become more aware of how we judge is to understand why: We’re often motivated by a need to compare ourselves favorably with the people around us. We tend to judge others in areas where we feel most vulnerable or not good enough… In these moments, we take unconscious refuge in the thought, “At least I’m better than someone.” *

What we find annoying in others is something that annoys us in ourselves! I do this when I make excuses or blame outside factors when I am late for an appointment, but then question why another person isn’t more responsible with her time. I do this when we buy a second Christmas tree instead of donating that money to a community shelter, but then become critical of those greedy politicians. I may feel a bit uncomfortable and frivolous about the tree, but at least “I’m not as bad as they are.” My specks increase from the flaws themselves into: flaws + blame + comparison + judgment of others = logs!

Jesus doesn’t say we are only to remove our log. He invites us to remove our log in order to more clearly see the speck we are to remove in others. Imagine helping one another as beloved children of God. In humbly and honestly pointing out our own logs and how God is helping us to remove them, other dear ones might recognize and find help for their own. A speck in any eye is painful, and Jesus wants to free all of us from that pain and irritation. Jesus also knows a greater truth: as we remove our own log, the other person’s speck will no longer be such a concern to us- because we are no longer irritated by our own.

When do you find yourself most critical or judgmental?

What “speck” do you find most irritating or annoying in others?

How might God be revealing something in yourself- something God is ready to help you remove?

Loving Jesus,

So many of your words are hard for us to hear and obey, but thank you for saying them. Today, please help us to see and remove the logs of imperfection in our eyes, so that we may more clearly see others with your perfect vision of love. Amen.

*(www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/28/brene-brown-on-being-less-critical_n_5043671.html)

WEEK ONE: REPENTANCE

REPENT

Matthew 4:17 (NRSV)

From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Jesus had just spent forty days in the wilderness resisting temptation. He begins his ministry in earnest as he proclaims the kingdom of heaven has come near, instructs everyone to repent, and calls his new disciples to follow him. Repent is our word for today.

The word, “repent” means to regret or be sorry. But “repent” also means to turn away from, and more importantly, to turn to something else instead.

Lent is a time when we often “give up” certain behaviors as an act of repentance and reflection. We are helped by avoiding the situations that enable these behaviors. If we want to deny ourselves any sweets for Lent, we “turn away from them” by not buying them or having them in our homes. If we hope to tame our greed, we avoid shopping places or hide our credit cards. By eliminating or avoiding the temptations, we are more likely to succeed.

Jesus gave us his two greatest commandments: we are to love God and love one another. When he tells us to repent of our sinful ways, we recognize that our deepest, most hurtful sins are those we make in our broken relationships. But our efforts to repent of these sins are more difficult than giving up such habits as eating treats or spending money. As much as we long to obey Jesus’ words, we can’t simply “turn away” from people or avoid them! “This year, I’m giving up people for Lent.” We would be missing the whole point!

So Jesus shows us a new way to repent. In the wilderness, Jesus turns to recognize and face his temptations directly, and turns from them by turning to Scripture. When Jesus tells us to repent, he includes, “for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” He is assuring us that we have help- we have HIM, here with us!

We can’t turn FROM people, but now we have someone we can turn TO. Someone we can witness and follow. As we look to Jesus as our example and guide, we can learn how to love one another more perfectly. As we turn to Jesus for help, his Spirit will give us all we need to love God and others wholeheartedly. This Lent as we seek to repent of our sins, we can first turn to face and recognize how we are mistreating one another- and then turn to Jesus for forgiveness, wisdom, obedience and love. Lent becomes a time of repentance- as well as a time to live together, learn together, and more perfectly love together.

What sin hinders you most from loving God and loving your neighbor?

Do you recognize any certain behaviors from which Jesus may be asking you to repent?

What helpful words or actions of Jesus might you turn to and follow as you repent today?

Loving Jesus,
We are sorry for our broken, imperfect nature. Help us to repent of anything that keeps us from pleasing you. Be our example and guide especially for our relationships today! Help us to face our sinful ways and then turn from them, as we turn to you instead. Amen.