9Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
~ Romans 12:9-13
We are preparing for the 40-day season of Lent, a season that some people would rather do without because of its somber nature. For other people, observing Lent is somewhat akin to observing New Year’s resolutions. “Giving up” stuff for Lent can become a game or another opportunity to make a lifestyle change. While those can be helpful, Lent is different. Lent is about developing or deepening faith practices, and your relationships with God and neighbor. Some people give stuff up in order to deprive themselves and help them realize how much Jesus has given for us. Truly, there is no way for us to experience the deprivation Jesus did. Giving up stuff can be part of a helpful practice, but giving up things like chocolate simply can-not compare to Christ giving His life through suffering and death on the cross, especially if you don’t eat chocolate that much. If you would like to read more on this topic, see my February 18, 2015 blog: “What is a Lutheran supposed to do during Lent?”
Given the current negative relational climate where many in our country are experiencing at least some sense of division within relationships between family, friends, and neighbors, Lent comes at just the right time! Those who have heard me address the relational climate at church have heard me say that the Church is uniquely suited to be a place of peace and a place of unity in the midst of division (Church is capitalized here to refer to the whole Christian Church as opposed to a particular congregation). The Church isn’t supposed to be “political” in the sense of advocating for or against a political party or person. The Church does, however, have a responsibility to address the concerns that most affect people’s lives. As Christians, we reflect on those concerns with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Bible while being wrapped in God’s grace.
As children of God and as people under God’s grace, we will dedicate this Lent to the theme: “Giving Our Very Best to God and Our Neighbor.” Details of this theme and our observance of Lent are included in this Bell Tower. In marriage, over time we may begin to take our partner for granted. We can tend to focus on what we need and what they should do to meet our needs. A remedy in marriage is to focus on the other – listen to them, love them, serve them, give them 100% of your effort. This Lenten emphasis will help us focus our hearts and minds to “let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:9-10).
In Christ,
Pastor Jeff
Epicurious Lutheran 