Giving something up is a traditional practice of the season, but often we do not venture past giving up something like chocolate or wine. Perhaps God wants us to give up something more significant, and more importantly, perhaps God wants us to give up these things in order to make room for something better, more impactful… God’s steadfast love in Jesus Christ. So this Lent, let’s give up hubris for humility and greed for gratefulness. Throughout these 40 days, let’s give it up for Lent so our hearts can grow closer to Christ!
Giving up Grudges for Reconciliation
Grumbling and even holding grudges are parts of our life that we are not proud of, but nevertheless they exist for us – even as people of faith. Unfortunately, this is nothing new for the faithful! In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the younger son grumbles about his circumstances while his older brother holds a grudge about the welcome-home party his father throws. In 2 Corinthians, Paul reminds us that God does not hold grudges against us. Instead, we are reconciled to God and one another through Christ. Water to Thrive Founder Dick Moeller reminds us that being reconciled frees us to serve as ambassadors for Christ in the world as we do with clean, life-saving water.
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