I’ve never written a love letter before. Sure, I say, “I love you” all the time to my husband, my kids, and my dog. But not a whole letter.
In high school, I received a few love letters and 11 years ago my (then) soon-to-be husband wrote me an email stating what he loved about me.
But it’s Lent, and so I am thinking about love letters.
Confession: I don’t really celebrate Lent. In fact, I joked with my husband that for Lent I was giving up mushrooms (hint: I don’t eat mushrooms). But a lot of my friends and family celebrate Lent and I have a deep appreciation for the most remarkable season of the church calendar leading up to the most remarkable event in history.
Only a few days ago on Ash Wednesday, I saw a number of my friends post images of their ashen-crossed foreheads. I read many posts of people either giving up things for Lent (Diet Coke, sugar) or adding in things for Lent (kindness, time with God). Regardless of the addition or the subtraction of said item or action, the motivation typically looks remarkably similar—it’s a way of thanking God for loving us, to draw near to him even as he drew near to us.
I love this, and here’s why: because for as long as the church has existed, there has been sin in the church. Even before “the church” was given a name, Cain was sinful. And the people of God in the wilderness were sinful. And David was. And too many of the kings were. And Paul confronted churches who were. Every single person is full of sin.
This is why I’m thinking about love letters at Lent. Because that’s what scripture is—God’s story to us of his work in history. It’s his love letter that tells us that even as we know we are full of sin and that his church is full of sin, that we are not alone.
Every single person who found their name etched in the love letter of scripture was crappy just like us—beginning with Adam and working its way all the way through to the new heavens and the new earth.
All but one that is—and that is the author of the love letter.
This said author is so full of love for us, in fact, that he gave up everything for us sinful people. “What matter of love has the Father bestowed upon us that we should be called the children of God!” “Even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
We are broken, but adored. This is not new, but boy is this special.
The one who made us is the one who sees us continually stumble and fall. As recipients of his great love letter, the only response then is gratitude.
So we give up things and we add things.
This isn’t bad. It’s actually very good. It takes great courage to look at the log in our own eye and pluck it out, to hack off the hand that keeps causing us to sin. Lent is a special time that pulls us into a space where we can look at ourselves honestly and see our sin, and then respond in thanksgiving that our God has always forgiven…so why would he do any differently with us?
I had an honest moment a few days ago in the gym. I was reading Matthew’s account of the arrest and scourging and finally death of Jesus. As I read again of the inconceivable evil of the Pharisees and Roman leaders, (much to the chagrin of the guy next to me) I uttered, “Let me not be like that!” And then I realized that in some ways, I am just like them.
Intentional Living
But the way back from sin and into gratitude is demonstrated in one word—intentionality. Sorry, friends, as long as you are alive here on earth, you will sin. But still we try, and as we press into certain practices that show us more clearly the author of our love letter, we become more overwhelmed with his love for us. We press into:
- An honest assessment of ourselves
- An honest assessment of our faith
- A deeper understanding of discipleship
- Spiritual practices that require sacrifices of time and energy
- Humble service
- Honest community
- Embracing repentance and forgiveness
- Fulling trusting in God’s power and work
For those of us who have been wounded by the church, the road to healing is long and winding. But many have traveled it and many more will. But God will never wound you. As we open us his Word this Lenten season, we see every jot and tittle that brings to light the fact that we are ever and always under his good care.
Dear friend, you are loved by the very author who created love. And the letter is worth reading over and over again. I just committed myself to start at the beginning and continue book by book. Will you join me?
Much love,
Laurie