We began the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday yesterday. Lent is a season to prepare our hearts for Good Friday and for Easter, for crucifixion and resurrection. I intend to write on this blog about how we prepare our hearts during this season of Lent, leaving political comment behind for a season.

During the Ash Wednesday service, I was reminded of these words, “You are the Lord’s Beloved.” These words strike a special note in my heart; years ago, during a spiritual formation class with Rev. Dr. Steve Harper, we had a time of meditation in a lovely chapel in the woods. While we sat in those moments of peace, a song was playing softly – John Michael Talbot sang these words, “Because you are chosen, called to be holy, because you are the Lord’s Beloved.” The words, of course, come from scripture; this passage is Colossians 3:12 – 17.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

It struck me on that day, that I was indeed God’s Beloved, and I was reminded of that yesterday.  I would remind you that you, as well, are God’s chosen and beloved, called to God for a purpose. In this passage, Paul says the Colossians should “put on” a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. This heart is “put on” as a garment, considering each morning that this is what you will wear, who you will be. This would be a beautiful garment, a flowing silk of many colors, swirling about you in all life’s trials. But such a garment only works when it is tied together with a sash of love – love is the thing that binds us together, as a people chosen to do God’s work, as a people beloved by God, and yes, as individuals beloved by God.

The first step in preparation for Easter is to recognize God’s love for us, and to let that love swirl about us in love for others. Now, here are some questions for reflection:

1. Think about that phrase – “You are the Lord’s beloved” – how does that make you feel?
2. How do you “put on” a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, and gentleness?
3. What difference does this make in your life?