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The season of Lent is upon us. Most Christians do not observe Lent. It is mainly observed by Catholics, the Methodist church and some Presbyterians. However, it is a season that calls for self-examination and repentance.

And it could not come at a more critical time as we draw closer to the Easter season, given the divisions in our nation and conflicting ideologies.

Lent is often seen as a test of perseverance. The Lenten season is 40 days long and is the six-week season that leads up to Easter. It is comparable to Advent, the arrival of Christmas.

From its start on Ash Wednesday to its conclusion on Easter Sunday, Lent has been a customary time for fasting, giving something up or abstinence. For Christians, we rarely fast, and often it is difficult to give things up. But just as we thoughtfully prepare for events in our daily lives, such as weddings or birthdays, participating in Lent invites us to prepare our minds and hearts for glorifying Jesus’ life, death and bodily resurrection.

Lent is meant to be a time of repentance — a humble understanding of knowing that we are all born with the curse of sin and that repentance is required. The purpose of Lent is to fully recognize our brokenness as humans and the need for a Savior. The time period of Lent allows us to reflect and open our hearts to Jesus.

The main observation of Lent — fasting — is done to clear distractions and focus on Christ. Giving up something and replacing it with prayer and worship gives way to a deeper relationship with God.

These 40 days are set aside to praise and worship the Lord, to read the Bible more and to pray more often. What if we all did that — even our leaders in state government and in Washington? I dare say we would have less confusion and division. We would think more of each other, how government could help the common man and woman in our counties and cities, and less of how politicians could enrich themselves. Rather than trying to deport people to South America and Mexico because they do not have “American blood,” we would love them, pray for them and seek to be a good neighbor to all, as the Bible teaches us. We would not be building fences, but bridges to our communities.

Rather than our leaders trying to take away jobs, benefits and liberties, they would reach out in love to make sure government is for the people and by the people.

Lent starts on Ash Wednesday. Many attend church on that day and receive a smudge of ashes on their forehead in the shape of a cross. The ashes are a symbol of repentance, humility and mortality, reminding believers of their need for forgiveness and the brevity of life.

While most Christians do not observe Lent, it wouldn’t hurt to humble ourselves and be mindful of the fact that we all sin. None of us are perfect — not even our president, or senators and congressmen.

We live in a partisan nation. We are a people who are becoming less tolerant of each other and their beliefs. We look at skin color and make decisions; we look at religions and make decisions; we look at people and, based on their choice of voting Democrat or Republican, we make decisions about whether we like them or not.

Whether you attend a church that observes Lenten traditions or not, everyone can participate in the purpose of Lent to set aside time to reflect, repent and grow. Perhaps it would help lessen the anger Democrats and Republicans feel for each other — that we would not see white people as better than people of other colors, or Americans better than Mexicans, Chinese, Russians, etc.

We would see ourselves as people blessed and see the need to love and forgive. That’s what America needs today.