For 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. 6-9 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 Lenten season, may we be reminded of all that Jesus gave for us because we are His beloved.
Listen:
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:12,13 NIV)
Reflect:
Most of us will not be called to die for our friends. Perhaps ‘laying down our lives’ is about putting other’s needs above our own. Setting aside our own plans and projects when a friend needs help. Giving our friends time, attention and practical support. As well as praying for them.
Jesus’ final evening with his disciples, as described in John’s gospel, shows how he is already laying down his life for them. He is not focused on his own grief, but on their needs. He warns and reassures them of His and the Father’s love. He commands them to love one another.
My experience of Christian community has been blessed by individuals who have set aside their own needs to attend to others. There are seasons of helping and seasons of receiving help (the latter can be the most challenging as one longs to be the helper rather than the helped). Provision of meals, lifts, a listening ear and encouraging words. Childcare and visiting the housebound. These ordinary things help to build strong relationships where problems become an opportunity to show love.
When I was pregnant with my youngest son. I was very sick and able to do little….and I had two other children to care for. Now, as I look back, I remember the love.
We were fairly new to the area but had joined a church. Folks from the church brought us meals two or three times a week. I looked forward to Wednesdays when a friend would pick me and my young daughter up and take us back to her house. There I lay on her sofa, enjoyed her company and watched my daughter having fun with her and with her son. She also fed me, not a difficult task as I could only eat a very small amount! Another friend gave my son a lift to and from school every day.
Prayer of Response:
Lord Jesus, whatever we do for those in need, however simple, we are doing for you. Thank you that we see your love in our friends.
Holy Spirit please help me, guide me and show me the best way to love others. I am surrounded by need and I feel my resources are so limited.
If I hold your hand Lord Jesus, perhaps I can reach out to hold someone else’s and love them with your love.
Questions to Ponder:
- How might I build a loving community by giving and receiving help?
- Is there a situation in which my agenda gets in the way of loving others?
Breath Prayers:
Inhale (Breathe in): As You have loved me,
Exhale (Breathe out): help me to love others.
—Submitted by Elaine Davis
Elaine is a retired grandmother, living in Leamington Spa, UK near to two of her children and their families who need love and support but not advice. When time allows, she enjoys being creative, keeping up with old friends, and making new ones. In the midst of this world’s trouble there is great joy in friendship.