Wednesday, March 25 Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling

Scripture:

“Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you.” — Revelation 3:20

Hymn Focus:
Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling

“Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me.”

“Come home, come home, ye who are weary, come home.”

Lent is a season of invitation. While it calls us to repentance and self-examination, it also reminds us of the manner in which Christ calls—softly and tenderly. This hymn assures us that Jesus’ voice is not harsh or condemning. It is patient, compassionate, and persistent.

The words “calling for you and for me” emphasize the personal nature of Christ’s invitation. Lent helps us quiet the noise of life so we can hear that voice again. We may have wandered in visible ways or in subtle ones—through distraction, fatigue, or indifference. Still, Jesus calls us not with anger, but with love.

The repeated invitation to “come home” speaks to the heart of Lent. To come home is to return—to God, to truth, to grace. It does not require perfection, only openness. The hymn reminds us that Christ waits not for us to fix ourselves, but for us to respond.

As we move toward the cross, we see the depth of this tender call. Jesus goes to great lengths to make our return possible. Lent teaches us that repentance is not driven by fear, but drawn by love—the love that waits, calls, and welcomes us home.

Prayer

Gentle Savior, In this Lenten season, help us to hear your tender call. When we are weary or far away, draw us home by your mercy. Quiet our hearts, open our lives, and help us respond with trust and humility, for you call us in love. Amen.