Press on Toward Lovingkindness

3rd Sunday of Lent

February 28, 2016

 

By: Tess Añora Morata

 

When life is going well we tend to ignore warnings that we need to turn around and change our sinful ways.  It is important to remember that we may be wrong even though life is good.  In Luke chapter 13, Jesus said that unless we repent, we shall all likewise perish. Throughout history God has provided plenty of signs to show people the way to live, but they kept going their own way: or should I say, we kept going our own way.  When God finally sent His son Jesus He sent Him as a sign, but people paid little attention and still refused to get rid of their stubborn attitudes.  Repentance involves confessing sin and forsaking sin. God’s lovingkindness can be seen in His providing us warnings so that He can protect us, not punish us.  He gave us His gifts of love and mercy.

 

In the parable of a barren fig tree Jesus tells us: when a man planted a tree but found no fruit in it after many years, didn’t he want to cut down that tree?  This season of Lent is a time to reflect and ask ourselves, “Am I bearing fruit?”  Without fruit, we have not lived out the full reality of Christ in us.  It’s not yet too late to bear fruit, because God always gives us another chance.   His lovingkindness never ceases. 

 

It is right to give Him our praise and thanks.  Psalm 63:3 says, “Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you.”  Lovingkindness is an act of kindness motivated by love.  If God shows His loving kindness to us, then we must also show it to others.  Acting with care for the people around us is one of the best ways to point people to God, for they will experience it too.  We can be involved in walking alongside people who are seeking help and wholeness.  The ways to show love to fellow believers are as endless as there are people with needs:  a note of encouragement, a gentle rebuke, a prayer, a visit or even just a friendly smile.  As Jesus told His disciples, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)  Our kindness and compassion can lead more people to Christ than our proclamation.  Amen!