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While many people traditionally observe Lent through acts of self-denial, this year we are shifting the way we think. Rather than giving something up, we encourage you to join us in making room for something else. This week, we are making room for compassion.
PRACTICE: Each day this week, we challenge you to live out one act of compassion for yourself or your neighbor. These can be big things like:
- Giving a generous gift of time or skill. If you’re skilled at cooking, prepare a meal for someone. If you’re skilled at photography or graphic design, offer your services. Find some way to share what you do best with someone without asking for anything in return.
- Volunteering in your community.
- Exploring the new ELCA.org for more ways to donate or volunteer in the wider church.
Or they can be tiny, such as:
- Sending a text or voice note to someone letting them know you appreciate them.
- Finding one moment, like someone cutting you off in traffic or a barista getting your coffee order wrong, and reframe it in your mind from something negative to a moment of compassion. Maybe that person is having a hard day. Give them grace.
- Leaving yourself a sticky note on your mirror with a small reminder you need to hear. This could be a favorite Scripture, an affirmation that speaks to you or anything that holds special personal meaning.
Here are some ways Lutherans have shared their compassion in their communities.
FOCAL VERSE: “Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).
PRAYER: Reflect on your baptism and give thanks that you were—and continue to be—born anew in God’s love and forgiveness, welcomed into a community of those who follow Christ, and set free to love and serve all people (ELCA Prayer Ventures, March 16).
REFLECTION: Compassion is defined as “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it” (Merriam-Webster). What does compassion mean to you?
While life can be full of great days, peaceful evenings and wonderful community, there are times when feelings of overwhelm, frustration and anxiety are all-consuming. In times of hardship, how could you tap into compassion?
As you have found opportunities for compassion this week, how have others done the same for you?
