A faith-filled reset as the Lenten season draws near.
As children of God, we strive to be good people — but what does it mean to be a better neighbor?
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” — Matthew 22:37–39
As the month of February approaches, why not challenge yourself to be a better neighbor, coworker, student, roommate, sibling or friend? The 40-day Lenten season is right around the corner and is a deeply contemplative time as we reflect and focus inward on repenting for our sins.
Traditionally, many people choose to give up something of value for Lent as a spiritual reminder of Christ’s journey to the cross.
Remembering Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection, it feels fitting that we, as Christians, think of our neighbors and how we can be of service.
Here’s a simple list of five ways you can love your neighbor at Concordia or anywhere.
No. 1: Answer the call
As followers of Christ, we are called to serve our neighbors. In doing so, we may honor leaders such as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on specific days, or we may choose to serve through local nonprofit organizations during certain seasons. Consider where God has placed you today and how you might best use your gifts to serve your neighbor.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.” — Galatians 5:13
Upcoming event: On Friday, Jan. 23, at 9:30 a.m., come to the Chapel of Christ Triumphant for a service and service event honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Service is part of how students grow in faith, vocation and compassion,” said Elizabeth Polzin, EdD, vice president of Student Success. “We celebrate Dr. King’s call to serve others and the joy that comes from loving our neighbor in meaningful, everyday ways.”
Through simple acts of kindness, words of affirmation, notes of appreciation and being present, we can answer the call. Student Success invites everyone to gather in the chapel to hear God’s Word, sing together and serve together. Following the chapel service, and in partnership with the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, participants are invited to write notes of encouragement for those served by the mission and learn about future service opportunities. Attendees may then head to the library to take part in additional activities.
“Freed by the Gospel of Christ, we are sent into our vocations to love and serve our neighbors through simple acts of care and mercy,” Polzin said.
There are always local service opportunities available. Reach out to your local church, animal shelter, food pantry or nursing home. The need for volunteers is ongoing and global in scope.
Note: Feed My Starving Children will take place March 18–20. Donations are still needed, and volunteer registration opens Feb. 18. To donate, visit give.fmsc.org/cuw.
No. 2: Reflect Christ’s love
Giving gifts is not only one of Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages; it is also a symbol of thoughtfulness and care. A gift does not have to be large or expensive to be meaningful. It may be tangible or intangible — a handwritten note, an act of service, a small token of appreciation or simply showing up when someone needs you.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
On campus or off campus, opportunities to reflect Christ’s love through generosity often appear in simple ways.
Flower Bouquet Making Night
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 4 p.m. in the Albrecht Lounge, students are invited to participate in Flower Bouquet Making Night, hosted by CAB. Create a bouquet for a neighbor, friend or anyone you feel called to encourage.
“As CAB, we give students the opportunity to make bouquets for themselves or, if they choose, to give them to someone else,” said Alayna Schroeder, CAB scheduling coordinator. “This is one of our major events that has become a staple — it’s been around for more than three years.”
Blood Drive
Donating blood is one way to give the gift of life. On Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Terrace Room, students, faculty and staff are invited to donate. Appointments are preferred, though walk-ins are welcome.
No. 3: Extend your hand
We are sometimes called into unfamiliar territory, outside our comfort zones, to help and serve others. God’s love knows no bounds of land or sea, and we should extend that love beyond the walls of our familiarity. Doing things that are new can be scary, but the benefits of personal growth as part of a society far outweigh the immediate discomfort.
“Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” — Genesis 12:1
There is an upcoming international mission trip opportunity to Belize that welcomes participants to explore what it truly means to be a missionary and experience a new culture firsthand. You will see the challenges, the relationships, and the meaning behind the work. It is an opportunity to grow personally and explore a global vocation. Learn more and register here: https://cuwaa.via-trm.com/program_brochure/33322
All-inclusive cost: $1,800
Deadline: Jan. 31
Trip dates: Feb. 28–March 7
CUW offers mission trips for students to engage in. Churches are another source for these opportunities, as well as national organizations such as The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod. It is never too late to spread the Gospel or help your neighbor.
No. 4: Lead with humility
Over the next two months, key servant leadership positions for students will be available, including RAs, Crew, CAB and Faith Associates, to name a few. There are other roles around campus as well, all of which have a significant impact on students, said Pastor Bakker.
The campus theme verse for the year explains this beautifully.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” — Galatians 5:13–14
“At CUW, we love creating opportunities for students to step into leadership roles, and we find great joy in supporting their growth as leaders,” said Kara Janowski, director of student engagement.
Recently, Janowski explained that student leader training programs were revitalized, bringing more intentional collaboration to various leadership roles, including resident assistants, faith associates and crew leaders.
“Our student leaders were excited to connect, learn from one another, and grow together,” she said. “This initiative not only helped students better understand each other’s roles, but also embrace the idea that campus culture at CUW is co-created by our entire student body, with student leaders playing a vital role in sparking ideas and shaping meaningful experiences that bring our campus culture to life.”
No. 5: Be present
Your presence is a nonverbal way of showing love. It can say much without using words at all. There are many events on campus you can participate in, from Campus Ministry to CAB to attending a basketball game and cheering on your peers. Attending chapel is a simple yet powerful way to be more present with God.
“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24
With the constant on-the-go mentality and our existence in a fast-paced society, we often forget to pause and reflect on what is truly important to us: our relationships with family, friends, coworkers, peers, neighbors, ourselves, and first and foremost, God. A world without relationships is a lonely place. God created us in His likeness. He created Eve for Adam, and He created you for others — the foundation of humanity.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.