Devotional

Love Is an Action Word

Jesus...rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. -John 13:4-5

In Jesus’ demonstration, there is no room for vague misunderstanding of what love means. Love is an action of serving others. In the beginning of this chapter, it is noted that Jesus “loved His own who were in the world” (v. 1) to the end. In the next verses He demonstrates in practical terms what that love means.

If we are to love others and obey the commandment of our Lord, we are to serve one another.

We must lay down the garments of our own pride and of our own comfort, and we must pick up the towel of humility and service, looking for opportunities to actuate the call of our Lord to love (meaning “serve”) one another.

Are you laying down the socio-spiritual status you “deserve” and accepting a place beneath that which you’ve earned? Are you serving? Are you looking for opportunities to promote others—their well-being, their dreams, their programs, their agendas. Are you helping others and not just yourself?

Are you serving? Are you loving?

John