I made the mistake of telling the world I was not eating any more chocolate bars for lent. A friend of mine, wanting to encourage me in my decision, came to bible study this morning with something for me: V8. Do you all know what it is? V8 is well known among Frenchies, it’s only a brand of “veggetable cocktail”. Thanks friend.

 Now, we read and thought and talked about Ephesians III. I realize more and more that there are so many things I think in my head but can’t explain with words so that people ca understand. This morning was probably the worst morning of all when we speak of expressing with words what my head thought. We talked about church a lot, the power and wisdom of God, the love of God… How we were to put that into practice in our lives. I’m not giving you details eh? Maybe you should go read Ephesians for yourself.

Now coming back to my V8. It reminded me of something quite important in life in general and in church. I decided I would refrain from eating chocolate bars (that I enjoy very much) for the lent season. My friend, out of compassion (and sarcasm) gave me a V8 to encourage me “turn to veggies instead of chocolate” is pretty much my friend’s message to me. Now, as Christians, when we’re aware that a brother or sister is making efforts to walk on the right path, we should, as my friend did with me, encourage this brother or sister. Right?

When I think about it, I probably don’t know what my brothers and sisters are struggling with or if they do try to change their ways to become more like Jesus. I guess there is no other way for me to know than by asking or being told by them. That’s something I probably don’t do enough with friends: let them know what efforts I want to make, what trouble I face. Do not misunderstand me, I am not saying that eating chocolate bar is wrong! Because I shall continue to eat them after lent it over (but maybe not as often). The point I wanted to make is simply that we should be people that are ready to share with trusted Christian friends about our struggles and encourage one another.

I’ll enjoy my V8 tonight…