Lent–What can we sacrifice?
We’re currently in the season of Lent, a time of preparation for Easter. The early Christians believed the magnitude of Easter–the gift of love through the sacrifice of Jesus–called for special preparation. In this season of Lent–What can we sacrifice?
In remembrance of Jesus fasting in the wilderness, 40 days became the accepted length of the Lenten season. Fasting for periods of time (not on Sundays) became a part of this preparation. Sundays aren’t counted in the 40 days of Lent, so the official time frame is 46 days. The Wednesday, 46 days before Easter, became the beginning of Lent (Holman, p. 1025).
Self-Denial
I’ve often participated in “giving up” something for Lent. Have you? This is a practice of self-denial, representing our recognition that Jesus gave His life for us. The penalty for sin is death. Someone has to pay the price for sin. Jesus put our needs above His own and accepted our punishment.
Jesus went willingly to the cross and sacrificed His life for us. Thus, in our self-denial during Lent (and at other times), we are remembering His sacrifice. As we deny ourselves a certain food, activity, or select a negative personality trait to give up (eliminate) we meditate on what Jesus gave up (sacrificed) for us.
Jesus gave His life.
What can we give in return? Or what can we sacrifice?
These are some actions I’ve been pondering for myself. What would you add?
Give up . . .
Unkindness: Instead, choose kindness and love.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you have a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:12-13)
Malice: Instead, choose compassion and forgiveness.
Get rid of bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example as dearly loved children. (Ephesians 4:31-5:1)
Jealousy: Instead, choose gratitude.
Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7)
Not everyone participates in Lenten customs, but perhaps we could all join in giving up a negative character trait or behavior and replace it with an action that shows love for others.
Another interesting fact I learned about Lent . . .
The English word for Lent derives from an Anglo-Saxon word for Spring (Holman, p. 1015). I’m reminded that Spring is the season for new life, renewal, and the magnificent gift of spring flowers. How fitting Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, so that we might live, occurs in the beauty of Spring. For in Christ, we are given new life.
This past week, I read a beautiful message about Lent and a task we can all do to share love with others. Here’s the link.
May god bless you in this season of love and beauty.
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. (2003).Holman Bible Publisher. Nashville, Tennessee.
A friend gave me the sweetest gift a few years ago of a child sitting in an offering plate. It serves as a powerful reminder to give myself to God first. Then everything else will follow.
That’s a beautiful picture, Diana. Thank you for sharing. It also reminds me that our children are gifts from God–although I understand that’s not the original intent, it just happened to be my first thought when I visualized the image.
Thank you for this timely article. I loved your strong use of Scripture to make and illustrate your points.
We are so blessed to have God’s Word to guide our steps. Thank you, Jimmie.
I’ve never celebrated Lent per se. I don’t remember an emphasis on it during my Southern Baptist upbringing, but I feel challenged to examine my heart and prayerfully consider what I might lay down for Him.
My church didn’t place much emphasis on Lent either, Terri, but one year the Pastor had our youth wash the feet of all the adults in the church. That was so moving and I’m always reminded of Christ’s humility and His sacrifice. Like you, I’m trying to determine what to lay down for Him. May God bless you as you meditate and pray in this season of contemplation.
Lent can be a time of “giving up” and a time of “giving to”. I want to give His love to others. I want to give love with an open heart and mind. I’m thankful God gives us Lent and many other ways to rest in His peace. Thank you for this special message. Blessings!
That’s beautiful, Melissa. Thank you for sharing the concept of “giving to” in this season as we prepare our hearts to celebrate our Savior’s gift of love. May God bless you this Lenten and Easter seasons.
Lent is an important time in our Christian walks. I loved the definition of Lent and all the scripture and suggestions of what we can give up! I also enjoyed the link that you suggested we read! It also was an excellent reading and I also subscribed to receive her posts every other week. Thanks for sharing! May God continue to bless you and use you.
Martha, I know you will be blessed by Candyce’s blogs. She is a gifted author and shares beautiful and meaningful messages. Wishing you peace, comfort, and joy during this season where we recognize our Lord’s greatest gift of love.
I heard this week that the forty days of Jesus fasting in the wilderness represents a time of training. So what we give up contributes to our training. That ideas goes perfectly with your suggestion of giving up bad attitudes and actions.
If we went through the forty days of intense training that Jesus completed, wouldn’t that bring us closer in our walk with Him? Thank you for sharing, Debbie. I’m reminded that this season of Lent is the ideal time to devote more time to study, contemplation, and prayer.
I love your idea of giving up our imperfect sinful attitudes during Lent. Our ultimate goal, after all, is to become more like Christ.
And thanks for the link.
You’ve summed it all up, Candyce–“our ultimate goal is to become more like Christ.” That’s what being a Christian is all about. Thanks for sharing your beautiful message. I know our readers found it very meaningful.
The main things to give up are our bad attitudes, bad thoughts, and sinful ways. Thinking about Christ’s suffering can make us so thankful that He provided a way for us to eliminate anything that harms our soul.
You are absolutely right, Barbara. I’m praying for that action for my own life. Thank you for your ministry and the reminder for us to meditate on how much Christ loves us and sacrificed for us. Peace and blessings!
Katherine, I agree we can all give up negative character traits whether we participate in Lent or not.
Thank you, Lisa. When we consider the gift of love bestowed on us through His sacrifice, I pray I can give up those negative traits that don’t demonstrate His love. Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter.
Great look and details of lent. I really liked your list of things to give up, they are better than giving up something like coffee. I’m going to work on giving up jealousy. Thanks Katherine