Carry On | Lent Devotion Week 4
Theme: Care
Getting Started:
But do you really care about me? It’s a huge question of our worth as humans. We all want to know that we matter, that we’re loved, and that we’re part of something larger than ourselves. Church communities have an incredible opportunity to live out life-changing care in service, prayer, visitation, small groups, and so much more. When we truly care for and about each other, we live out the gospel.
Verse:
Philippians 2:1-4
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.
Learn More:
When Paul writes this letter to the church at Philippi, he is in prison and faces an uncertain future. He knows the Philippians also face persecution and suffering. He reminds them of the joy of living as a faithful, loving community centered in Christ. Even when we struggle, we find hope in God’s love for us and our love for each other. We live out the gospel when we care for each other.
Reflect:
Watch the announcement slides that happen before and after worship or in the lobby area. Look at all the things happening at Easter. How does each one have to do with care? In what ways do these opportunities help us care for ourselves, each other, or our community?
One part of Easter’s guiding vision is that “God is calling Easter to be a Holy Place for the broken”. How does the way we care for each other make that true?
Listen carefully to the prayers we share in worship. Reflect on the names, situations, groups, and countries. Prayer is one way we care for each other. Try really engaging with the prayers this week.
In Paul’s letter, he encourages the Philippians to “look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others”. Visit https://www.elca.org/40days or get one of the ELCA World Hunger Lenten devotions. How can this motivate you to care for others, especially those you may not see every day?
Respond:
We’re all called to care for others in whatever way we can. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to try? Is it serving at Loaves & Fishes, going on a mission trip, being a part of the prayer team, or helping with JAM? Talk to someone who’s involved in the area of interest to you and ask them what it means to their life. What would need to change in your life, even if just for a day, to make that caring work happen? Give it a try! Tell someone else what you learned and what it means to you.