Lent in the Workplace: Faith, Hope, and Love
“Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Romans 5:5).
Pope Francis has proclaimed 2025 a Jubilee year, urging us to “fan the flame of hope” and embrace the future with “an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision.” He has chosen the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” calling us to renewal and rebirth in a world that longs for both.
As I sat with his words, I found myself asking myself, “I know I have faith, am led by faith, and share my faith—but do I truly ‘fan the flame of hope’? Am I a Pilgrim of Hope?”
This reflection deepened: Where does faith end and hope begin? How are they intertwined, and how do they stand apart? We often see faith, hope, and love strung together, as they are in the Bible (1 Corinthians 13:13). They are etched on signs, they are stitched onto pillows, they adorn the shelves of Home Goods and Hobby Lobby. Beyond decor, what do these words mean in our lives?
How They Stand Apart—and How They Work Together
Faith is trusting in what is unseen, a deep trust and confidence in God, even when we do not see tangible proof. It is believing in His promises, His nature, and His ultimate plan. It is “the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
Hope is a confident expectation in God’s promises. It is not just wishful thinking but a firm assurance that God’s promises will be fulfilled, especially in eternal life through Christ. It is “an anchor of the soul, sure and firm” (Hebrews 6:19).
Love is the greatest and most enduring virtue, the selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the good of others. It is the highest virtue because it reflects God’s very nature: “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated … Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 8).
Together, faith leads us to trust in God, hope keeps us anchored in His promises, and love is the ultimate expression of our relationship with Him and others.
Lenten Connection
When Lent approaches, our focus often turns to giving something up. In the past, I have chosen to abstain from superficial comforts—giving up chocolate, skipping my usual coffee runs, or refusing plastic grocery bags back when they were still offered in New York.
This year, I find myself asking, “How can I approach Lent more intentionally?” Beyond personal sacrifice, how can I weave faith, hope, and love into the fabric of my daily life? How can I live them out in the workplace, in my interactions with others, and in the way I show up each day?
Embodying Faith, Hope, and Love in the Workplace This Lenten Season
Lent is a season of reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth. Just as we observe fasting, prayer, and almsgiving in our personal life, we can also integrate these practices into our professional life. Here are meaningful ways to bring the spirit of Lent into the workplace:
Fast with purpose. Fasting from gossip, negativity, or workaholism can transform workplace culture.
Practice gratitude in teams. Encouraging co-workers, recognizing efforts, and celebrating small wins can lift spirits.
Give back. Taking time to mentor, support, or uplift others can be a form of almsgiving.
Reflect on renewal. Lent is a time of preparation. How can we use this season to improve work relationships, refine our purpose, or reset our professional goals?
As we observe Lent, we can draw on the virtues of faith, hope, and love to create a positive and supportive workplace environment. Here are some practical ways to live out these values in your professional life during this season:
Faith
Trust in God’s plan for your career. Just as we trust God in all aspects of life, we can also trust Him with our professional journey. This may mean surrendering our anxieties about promotions, transitions, or challenges, or it may mean faithfully responding to His prompting when it is time to seek new opportunities. Whatever the path, we can walk forward with confidence, knowing that He is directing our steps. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Maintain integrity in business practices. Faith calls us to be honest, ethical, and just in decision-making, even when shortcuts seem easier. Keeping faith in God’s provision helps us lead with integrity. “Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others” (Colossians 3:23).
Lead courageously. Faith gives us the confidence to take risks and lead with conviction, knowing that God equips us for the work He calls us to. “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Pray at work. Bringing your faith into business can mean silent prayers before meetings, offering a moment of stillness during stress, or praying for colleagues facing difficulties.
Hope
Encourage a culture of positivity. Hopeful leaders and employees set a tone of optimism, even in times of uncertainty. They remind teams that setbacks are not the end but stepping stones to growth. “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you … plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Foster resilience. Workplaces can be stressful, but hope keeps people pushing forward. Whether we’re facing layoffs, failed projects, or demanding clients, hope reminds us that challenges are temporary and that perseverance leads to success. “We even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5).
Support others in difficult times. Just as Lent teaches us to unite our suffering with Christ, work can be a place where we support our struggling colleagues through words of encouragement or acts of kindness.
Create vision and purpose. Hope drives purpose. Businesses with a clear, mission-driven focus inspire employees to see their work as part of a greater good.
Love
Build a culture of kindness and respect. Love does not mean sentimental emotions but genuine care for colleagues, employees, and clients. It means treating people with dignity. “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Practice servant leadership. The best leaders lead with humility, putting the needs of their teams before their own. Jesus modeled this in washing His disciples’ feet: “If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do” (John 13:14-15).
Encourage belonging. Love sees the image of God in every person. A loving workplace fosters belonging and ensures all voices are heard.
Give back through corporate responsibility. Just as Lent calls us to almsgiving, businesses can model generosity through philanthropy, mentorship, or sustainability efforts that benefit society.
As we embark on this Lenten season, let us commit to not only reflecting on our faith, hope, and love but to actively living them out in every aspect of our life, including the workplace. May we trust in God’s plan, remain anchored in His promises, and love the people around us with the same selflessness Christ has shown us. By embodying these virtues, we become true Pilgrims of Hope, lighting the way for others and making a lasting impact in our professional and personal communities.
Carolyn McIntosh is a Certified Online Business Manager with a passion for helping heart-centered businesses thrive. With an MBA in Industrial Organizational Psychology and over 12 years of experience in Human Resources and Operations, she brings a unique blend of human insight and operational expertise to her work. Carolyn is also a Freelance Writer and an Adjunct Professor, sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of leaders. Connect with Carolyn on LinkedIn or her website.