40 Days of Prayer and Reflection - Lenten Moments: Letting Go Of Hatred

Focusing Scripture: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18
“You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbour, or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord.”

Theme: Letting go of hatred.
So much of how we are supposed to live is easier said than done, isn’t it? We really want to hold onto that grudge sometimes. We really want to hang onto our anger and return hurt for hurt. Yet when we hold on to grudges, to anger, when our energy is focused on revenge, our hearts cannot be at peace in Jesus. He pulls us towards him. He says, “Let go.”

Reflective Moment
What is a grudge? Why do we hold grudges? How does it feel?

Living the Message
Choose to let go of a grudge today, to let go of anger, or to abandon a plan for revenge.

Prayer Moment
Dear Jesus, we offer to you all of our struggles in trying to love each other well. Help us to let go of hurts and of anger, and to hold onto the pace and forgiveness you offer. Amen.