This week, Wednesday begins the 40 days of Lent. Our writers will be sharing testimonies based on the scripture Mark 14:6-9: She offered what was in her hands and heart to give. “But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone. Why are you giving her a hard time? She has just done something wonderfully significant for me. You will have the poor with you every day for the rest of your lives. Whenever you feel like it, you can do something for them. Not so with me. She did what she could when she could—she pre-anointed my body for burial. And you can be sure that wherever in the whole world the Message is preached, what she just did is going to be talked about admiringly.’”
In this Lenton season, may we be reminded of all that Jesus gave for us because we are His beloved.
Listen:
“Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognise that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” (John 13:34-35)
Reflect:
Loving one another—I know this verse well, mainly from an old 1970’s chorus and it is imprinted in my mind. However, it recently became imprinted on my heart.
How do we show our love to our Christian brothers and sisters today in a way that demonstrates our difference to others? As a ‘sisterhood’, I find Lifesprings a very loving and encouraging community. Its values are focused on making a difference in our community and so loving each other is a priority. One thing struck me: we are very good at complimenting one another, affirming talents, encouraging a sister’s journey. But, I am not so good at receiving these ‘gifts’; are you?
Have you ever noticed that the most encouraging words you can hear are not always those directly spoken to you? I have a friend who encourages me in many ways, but the most impactful way is that she sings my praises to others and I get to hear it from them. Wow! She must really mean it! And not only that, it draws others to see why she spoke about me in that way. Don’t get me wrong, this is not about me (maybe a little, as it warms my heart), but it’s about building a community of love; modelling love through words and actions. Other people see the love she has for me and I’m encouraged to do the same for others. It’s so much better than gossiping! It embodies the verse in John 13 and also Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen”.
Prayer of Response:
Father God, melt and mould my heart so that my love for my brothers and sisters in Christ is the different kind of love you demonstrated to us, the kind of love that draws others to You. Amen
Questions to Ponder:
- How do people see Christ’s love in your Christian community?
- What can I do to love my fellow disciples, especially those I’m not close to or don’t know so well?
Breath prayers:
As a new weekly rhythm, join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale: As I have loved you
Exhale: So you love one another
—Submitted by Lis Ho
Lis is living in Lyon, France, an empty nester, with her son at university in the Netherlands. Lis attended her first Lifesprings retreat in 2010 and was part of the LSM Lyon team. She is involved in the prayer ministry team at her church and has a heart for getting alongside women and healthy ageing. Her portfolio career includes portrait photography, teaching English and pilates. Her ‘word’ for this year is ‘steadfast’.