Support One Another

Read 1 John 3:16-24

We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us - and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?

Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. 1 John 3:16-22 (NRSV)

Serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

Nenye Andy lives in Lagos, Nigeria. At their church in Lagos, Laity Week is a time for every parishioner to visit with the sick and suffering. We go in groups to spend time in hospitals, elder-care homes, hospices, prisons, orphanages, and charitable organizations. They witness a sea of suffering humanity. They give their support by giving their time and collecting their resources to help each person who is suffering. What consolation it gives a lonely person to have the cheerful company of believers who bring the message of Christ's love in words and action!

Lent is the time to redouble our efforts to support one another. They devote extra time and effort to their families. They welcome new neighbors. They soothe those who are anxious. Putting more love into their work, they try to be more understanding of their coworkers.

During Lent they contemplate the face of Jesus in every face they see. They see Jesus in those who are heartbroken, despised, sorrowful, or rejected. They offer their support and allow the Christ to work through them. As they open their hearts, they receive the grace to stand with their brothers and sisters and share their burdens - not just during Lent, but every day of their lives.

Prayer: Merciful Father, fill our hearts with your love so that we can share it with all who are suffering, in Jesus' name. Amen.