Make Allowances for Each Other's Faults

"Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." Colossians 3:12-15

We are coming upon the season of Lent soon. Lent is the Christian season of spiritual preparation before Easter. It is the 40 days prior to Easter and it begins on Ash Wednesday (March 2). During Lent, many Christians observe a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, and practicing other spiritual disciplines such as prayer, solitude and silence. The purpose of the Lenten season is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus—to consider His suffering and His sacrifice, His life, death, burial, and Resurrection. It is a time for reflection and moving toward being formed into the image of Christ in our everyday lives.

Maybe as we move toward this holy season in the next couple of weeks, you might consider the following words of Pope Francis. Consider what God may be inviting you to fast from during this Lenten season. Might your fasting reflect God’s heart as expressed by Pope Francis?

Fast from hurting words
and say kind words.

Fast from sadness
and be filled with gratitude.

Fast from anger
and be filled with patience.

Fast from pessimism
and be filled with hope.

Fast from worries
and have trust in God.

Fast from complaints;
contemplate simplicity.

Fast from pressures
and be prayerful.

Fast from bitterness;
fill your hearts with joy.

Fast from selfishness
and be compassionate.

Fast from grudges
and be reconciled.

Fast from words;
be silent and listen.

Shared by our friends at www.mylifeissacred.com

P.S. Time to sign for our Lenten Day of Guided Silence, March 29. Click below!

Our first Day of Silence is March 29!
Register here!