If you’ve ever had to say goodbye to someone, you treasure the last words spoken. You remember what was said. You hold on to those final words. For Lent in 2021, we are focusing on the last words of Jesus from the cross. What did he say? What does it mean for us? How do those words change us? This week, we focus on the word “compassion.” In an act of compassion, Jesus cared for his widowed mother by commending her to his disciple John. Even as he was dying on the cross, he looked down in love and said, “Woman, behold, your son.”
Invitation Prayer
O God, the Psalm says, “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:13) So I am quick to run to you. I know you look on me with compassion. So I come to you first. I rush into your arms. I speak into your ear. As my Father in heaven, hear my voice today. In Jesus name, Amen.
Confession
Forgive my sins, O Lord – forgive me the sins of my present and the sins of my past, the sins of my soul and the sins of my body; the sins which I have done to please myself, and the sins which I have done to please others. Forgive me my wasted and idle sins, forgive me my serious and deliberate sins, forgive me those sins which I know and those sins which I know not, the sins which I have labored so to hide from others that I have hid them from my own memory. Forgive them, O Lord, forgive them all.
Word
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion . . .” (Col. 3:12)
Meditation
Do you like clothes? Are you interested in trendy styles and fashion? Or could you care less about what you wear? Regardless, we hold one piece of clothing in common. As Christians, compassion is part of our wardrobe. We wear it not out of compulsion, but gratitude. We are “God’s chosen ones.” We are recipients of his compassion. Therefore, we “put on” what he has given us to wear. We are cloaked in Christ our compassionate Lord. When people look at us, they say, “Wow, we haven’t seen that before.” We wear Christ, our style is in line with him. Our look is reflective of his compassion.
Consider this question today: What compassionate words or actions will be part of your wardrobe this week?
God, you’ve given me a new wardrobe. Fit me with compassion and assist me to live my life according to the uniform you have given. Amen.
Sending Prayer
Lord of compassion, you have called us into a new family by the blood of your cross. Give us your spirit of compassion that we might love one another as you have loved us. You love me and you send me. I now go in your name. Amen.
*Today’s devotion is taken from It Is Finished by Jeff Cloeter, published by CTA – Christ to All at ctainc.com