Today’s Reflection
When Jesus is our friend, we celebrate differences with friends. You disagree? Instead of drifting away, friends of Jesus labor toward reconciliation, knowing that Jesus didn’t run off when we were difficult, wrong, or less than faithful. Martin Luther King’s insight, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend,” makes me wonder how many friends I’ve missed out on.
—James C. Howell, Unrevealed Until Its Season: A Lenten Journey with Hymns (Upper Room Books, 2021)
Today’s Question
When has difference or disagreement caused you to miss out on a potential friendship?
Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.
—John 15:15 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
O God, we give you thanks for hymn writers of the past and present. Help us to always have a song of praise on our lips and in our hearts, especially in times of trouble. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
What is Lent? When is Lent? Why do we set it apart? Learn more about this special season by reading Lent 101.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
5 Comments
A long ago friendship came to an end over view points on “guest workers” and African-Americans. Tried to renew it to no avail.
Of course I can only imagine of other possibilities I was/ am unaware of. It’s a sad fact of life.
With the mock-up just about done, I’m turning now to finding the materials needed for the actual model.
Zoom worship this morning with a guest pastor who will lead us all this month.
My high school best friend and my high school boyfriend.
Zoom church for me also as my injuries continue to heal. The weather here is unseasonably warm but rainy with high winds.
Lord, please hold Ally in your loving arms. Help her bear her burdens and give her strength and rest. Walk with her each step of the upcoming days and let her lean on your love and strength with hers falters. I lift you up Ally and I pray for you and your struggles. You are strong and capable, I know this. Know that you are loved.
A relationship with a member of the opposite sex had to come to an end because it wasn’t wholesome for me. For many years, in my naivete – we had a wonderful friendship. As I look back on it now with seasoned eyes, I know I was taken advantage of. A few years ago, we started communicating again and then he crossed a line – which I just couldn’t accept. We had had conversations about why our relationship ceased previously, and I thought there were clear boundaries set. It hurts me to this day, as I have forgiven him. But I can’t repeatedly be put in an inappropriate situation. I can’t be his therapist, I can’t be his sounding board in matters regarding his marriage. Unfortunately now, there is no relationship. I know he is not happy with this. He would probably promise me (again) that the boundaries are clear. But I just can’t. I don’t believe God would be honored by this relationship.
Cancer support group today was extremely meaningful and uplifting. A new young lady came who is caring for her mother with pancreatic cancer. I spoke with her briefly and sent her an email this afternoon.
Doing chores around the house and grading papers before going to serve dinner at the homeless shelter this evening. A busy weekend, but that is ok.
Dad moves Tuesday. He and my sister and I are going out to dinner tomorrow.
Jill, just now saw your comment from yesterday. Thanks so much for your prayers. It feel loved by my NEM family.
My dearest friend of almost 30 years and I had a disagreement similar to the one Robert had with his friend. I miss her sometimes, but the hurtful things she said: I just can’t get past them. I told her I forgave her, but i m not sure I could continue our friendship. We haven’t spoken in 4 years.
Julie, thank you for your prayers and kindness. Your words touched me deeply. I’m pray for your healing.
Jill, prayers for your family as you carry out Larry’s move.
Love to all.
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