Lent - Giving Up, Adding To and a Scripture Plan

This year the season of Lent begins February 14. Lent is a time that offers us an opportunity to come to terms with the human condition we may spend the rest of the year running from and it brings our need for a Savior to the forefront. Like Advent, Lent is a time to open the doors of our hearts a little wider and understand our Lord a little deeper, so that when Good Friday and eventually Easter comes, it is not just another day at church but an opportunity to receive the overflowing of graces God has to offer.

Often a part of the forty days of Lent is to “give up” something. It offers opportunity to “give up” or fast from a behavior or action which separates us from God, others and the person God designed us to be. Likewise, we can “add to” our lives by including the ways of Jesus.

The church I belong to does not actively participate in Lent, but through the years, I've spent the days of lent abstaining from certain things and one year doing a study to add blessing to my words.

I found some suggestions that combine abstaining from things that may need to be eliminated while adding characteristics that bring blessing to our lives.

Fast from judgment, Feast on compassion
Fast from greed, Feast on sharing
Fast from scarcity, Feast on abundance
Fast from fear, Feast on peace
Fast from lies, Feast on truth
Fast from gossip, Feast on Praise
Fast from apathy, Feast on engagement
Fast from discontent, Feast on gratitude
Fast from noise, Feast on silence
Fast from discouragement, Feast on hope
Fast from hatred, Feast on love

Whether we participate in Lent or embrace it as a time of diligently seeking the things of the Lord, we can find things in our life to remove and to add. It is the focus and intent of the heart that matters and our heart should be about seeking to be what God has called us to be.

As Lent leads up to Easter, it is a perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on the life of Jesus, His ministry and love He expressed to others, His sacrifice and death on the cross which demonstrates His love for each one and His resurrection, the power that He holds over all things. It is a perfect time to read the Bible with special emphasis on the gospels books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Bible Gateway has designed a Lent season reading plan. Be encouraged to find it HERE and prepare your heart this lent for the things the Lord has for you.

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