Journaling Through Lent: Week 1

Two days ago was Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of LENT. That also marks the start of this series! This is Week 1 of Journaling Through LENT. Each week will be about a different theme that Jesus displayed through His time here on earth and still continues to display today. The attributes of Jesus that we’ll be studying today are His love and His kindness. Also, each week, I will put a journaling/reflection prompt for you to take and write about in a journal. 

First, let’s discuss what LENT is. Lent represents the forty days that Jesus spent in the wilderness getting tempted by Satan. It’s a time for preparing our hearts for Easter, and a time for fasting, intentional time with God, and being generous to those around us. During this season, focus on spending time with God. What is one thing that is holding you back from spending more time with God? If you spend a lot of time doing things like scrolling on social media or reading unwholesome books, it’s time to give that up for this season. Replace it with reading your Bible, praying, and journaling. If you don’t scroll or read unwholesome things, then what is taking up a lot of your time? Whatever it is, it’s time to give it up. You could be spending that time with God and grow a lot closer in your relationship with Him. 

The attributes of Jesus that we’ll be focusing on this week are His love and His kindness! Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) says: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This love of Jesus is perfect, and nothing can get in its way!

Truth #1: Nothing can separate us from Jesus’ love. (Romans 8:38-39)

Another verse I want to share is Jude 1:20-21 (NIV): “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” As we pass through this earth, heading to Heaven, we need to live in God’s love. We need to live like the All-Powerful, Most High God loves us! That should show through our lives and we should live it and share it.

Truth #2: Live in God’s love. (Jude 1:20-21)

Now let’s talk about Jesus’ kindness. Titus 3:5 (NIV) says this: “he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit”. Talk about kindness! He literally died the most painful death imaginable and faced the worst public humiliation because of His love and kindness for us. 

Truth #3: Jesus saved us because of His mercy, not because of righteous things we’ve done. (Titus 3:5)

Journaling Prompt: What is one thing that you can give up for all of or part of Lent to instead spend that time with God?

See you next week!