By Shandra Newcom, Council of Twelve Apostles

So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

To be tested means to be judged or measured by someone. For example, one could test a person of faith by seeing how much they participate with their local congregation. They could be judged by how many times they attend church on a Sunday. The testing comes when that person is confronted with the truth of how little they participate and if they will return to their congregation’s Sunday morning services.

This is an if/then testing: If you attend a Sunday morning service, then you are a valuable member of the congregation and a dedicated person of faith.

This type of testing is destructive and does not honor the example of Jesus. People can be engaged in a faith community in a variety of ways. Their value as a member does not require them to fit within a structure or way of engaging in spirituality.

Rather than testing, get to know someone for who they are, commit to be in relationship with them whether or not they attend worship on a Sunday, love them, and provide a space of belonging—these are important ways to create community.

Community born out of testing does not follow Christ’s plan of creating a world of love for all. When Jesus was tested, he did not succumb to the voices of destruction and judgement that created traps for him to fall into. He stood on a solid ground of faith and responded with spiritual clarity and radical love. He built a community of peace.

We, too, can stand on solid ground even when tested by the world and serve as followers of Jesus as we create pathways toward peace for all. What a blessed opportunity! I believe this looks like all of us creating safe and sacred space so no one is told they don’t belong. When we all experience belonging, there will be equity and justice.

During the season of Lent, may our hearts and minds be open to the radical invitation of love as lived in the life of Jesus. May we stand for that love. And may we act from that love as we create a world of love.

Prayer Phrase

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor…” (Romans 13:10).

Spiritual Practice

Tears of Compassion

Offer a silent prayer for the gift of God’s compassion. Cup your hands and ask God to make you aware of the suffering that causes the Earth and its inhabitants to groan and weep. Be open to faces or places, sounds or voices, feelings of connection with those who suffer. Imagine catching the tears of those you see and holding them in your hands. Listen for prayer images or words God may give you. Discern any active responses of ministry or healing you sense invited to complete for those who weep.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.