John 13: 1-11 “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
I was reminded this morning about a time in my life when we belonged to a church that practiced “foot washing” and the lasting impact it made on both my husband and I. The very idea of kneeling down in front of someone and gently washing their feet is humbling but it goes deeper than that. It is a time of humbly showing others that we care. We are emulating the love of Jesus to those God has placed around us to walk through life with. Foot washing is a very intimate act that some may not be comfortable with; however, there are many other ways we can show our love and concern. Giving anonymously, paying other's bills, taking a meal that is needed, delivering flowers to lift someone's spirits, etc., these are all precious acts of service. As long as there are genuine emotions behind the act, the service to others will bring feelings of humility and empathy and create a meaningful bond for years to come.
Sacrificial serving is a meaningful part of our Christian faith, but I want to come at service from another angle and ask you to open your mind and ponder this thought. How do you receive service? Do you allow others to be in service to you as well? This aspect of service is far more challenging than caring for others. To me, it is very humbling when someone thinks of us and steps in to love on us or help in some way. When we worked with refugees in the past, God helped me to see that pride is destructive and it is important that we graciously receive those that desire to give to us even if it's all they have. He is working in the giver's life also and it is a reminder from the other person of just how much they love and care for us. It is hard for me to be on the receiving end at times but God has shown me that it is just as important to humbly receive as it is to humbly give.
We miss out on some of life's sweetest moments when we deny others the blessing of giving and serving as God has led them to do!
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Dear Lord,
Thank you for positioning people in our lives that truly love and care for us. Forgive us when we fail to let them serve us when you prompt them to do so. Open our hearts and give us discernment to see where you are working and then a willingness to allow then to minister to us. Endear our hearts to the precious people God sends our way and help us to foster a thankful heart. You've blessed us to be a blessing but show us when to accept the blessings that you send at different times to make us aware of your unfailing love.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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