God’s Word. Our Voices. That was my invitation for us, as followers of Jesus, to speak God’s word of truth and mercy, of justice and peace, of respect and radical welcome into the rhetoric, misinformation, and demeaning messages that we have heard from numerous government officials including from the Oval Office. Those messages have fueled confusion, fear, and divisiveness in this country. As we enter the Lenten season, I want to expand that invitation beyond merely “what” our words encompass to “how” our words are spoken and our voices are heard.
If I am honest, I find myself becoming increasingly frustrated, disillusioned, upset, even appalled. I have become critical and negative. More and more of my words are complaints rather than affirmations and understandings. I confess to breaking the 8th commandment to speak well of my neighbor and explain their actions in the kindest ways. The confusion, fear, and divisiveness have impacted my ability to be compassionate and understanding. This is not the way of Jesus.
During this Lenten season, I am going to work on “giving up” the negative comments and complaining about others. I will continue to speak what I believe is God’s word and truth into what is happening in our country, and challenge the actions of our government and others. But I want to do so mindful of the way I speak – kindness into the meanness, clarity into the confusion, humility into arrogance and bullying. During this Lenten season, I want to be intentional about the way my voice reflects the way of Jesus, not only the message but the tone, to be kinder and gentler with others, not to excuse or dismiss, but to embrace the transforming power of God’s grace.
As you begin another Lenten season, what discipline are you adding (or giving up) to help your voice reflect the voice of Jesus, to bring healing and peace, as well as courage and conviction to speak out? What discipline will both soften your heart and make it stronger? How will you journey these forty days so that your spirit might be renewed and we can keep using our collective voices to speak God’s word?
In the words of the song by Marty Haugen,
Now is the time of grace, now is the time of salvation.
Turn now and seek God’s face, now behold God’s invitation.
Then shall your light break forth as dawn, and healing shall come to you quickly;
Then you shall call and God shall answer;
God’s love shall go before you.
Comentários