Teresa lived a simple life. Simmer the soup. Scrub the dishes. Hug a leper. She probably didn’t imagine choosing a life of poverty and service among the poorest of the poor would turn into a world-wide religious organization. She simply served in response to the needs around her.
I think Mother Teresa’s commitment to humble service might be the essence of what Jesus taught His disciples in the upper room during the last meal before He offered His life (John 13). He took off His outer garment, grabbed a towel and basin of water, and wiped the disciples’ feet—muddy, crusty, sweaty, hairy, calloused feet—until they glistened.
Our Lord pushed his fingers in between toes to wipe away layered road refuse. Of course, Peter rebuffed the Lord washing his feet (we might too). The King of Glory soiled His hands with a task so beneath the disciples, that none of the Jesus-followers offered to wash each other before the meal. The disciples wanted positions in heaven (Luke 22:24–30), yet Jesus showed them the true position of the heavenly-minded.
And then Jesus told the disciples to do likewise to one another (John 13:12–17). He chose to teach humble service in His last mentorship session before His betrayal. This is like a deathbed example: love each other by serving one another humbly.
But He didn’t just tell them—He showed them to what extent they are to love one another: to the end of life itself (Philippians 2:6–8, Mark 10:45). The power of the gospel displayed in Jesus’s death, resurrection, and ascension brings justice to the nations (Isaiah 42:1) through the sacrificial service of His people.
But humbly serving our brothers and sisters in Christ hurts sometimes. People gossip. Betray. Lobby. Judge. How can we humbly serve believers when everything in us wants to stand our ground?
Jesus saw the sinner disciples seated at His table but picked up the towel and the basin anyway. He plunged the cloth into the muddy water and washed the feet of Peter who denied Him, Thomas who doubted Him, and Judas who betrayed Him. He knew they would run at His arrest (Matthew 26:56)—hide in fear after His death (John 20:19). But He humbled Himself anyway. Served anyway.
How we love our brothers and sisters in Christ may look different for each of us as we obey the Spirit’s leading. For me, right now it looks like not splurging on the new outfit so our family can support a missionary. It means holding my tongue when I want to gossip about someone at church. It looks like sacrificing an afternoon of needed chores to visit an elderly church member.
I’m not doing this perfectly, but maybe Eugene Peterson said it best when he said the Christian life is “a long obedience in the same direction.” Whether in the slums of Kolkata or the ‘burbs in Indiana, I think Jesus’s example to the twelve belongs to us as well. Love one another through humble service—to the end.
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71 thoughts on "Jesus Displays His Love"
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Actions to live out…A long obedience in the same direction.
V. 26 struck me today when Jesus called the Holy Spirit the counselor. Like what!? how have they missed that my whole life and how lucky that we have the counselor with us all the time ❤️
These verses, the example that Jesus sets forth as we read is one of complete humility and is overwhelming. The knowledge that He has and yet still bends to wash the feet of the disciples is the purest form of humility. Its so convicting, deeply personal and an example of where my heart and actions need to be – and wow, do I fall short. There are so mant things running through my mind beyond just awkward and uncomfortable to me why this is a struggle for me. I am missing the mark on a heart postured to humble service, hold back on grace, forgiveness due to what? Selfishness? Pride? Hurt? There is so much to be said about Jesus’ example, his getting down low actions are not my default.
Lord, you show us the most beautiful example of love, care, humility, grace and mercy. Forgive my selfish pride that gets in the way – change my heart O God to be like you. Amen❤️
Believe in Me – Jesus – I am leaving and coming back again after I prepare a place for you – if you know Me. Do you?
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Lord, I believe. Praying for the lost, the confused, the timid, the prodigals and the lukewarm, that all would come to believe in You.
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GWINETH52- welcome back!
ALLISON BENTLEY – lean into Jesus, thank you!
TERESA DONLEY- praying for your friend, his coworkers and all in Jamaica.
TRACI GENDRON praying for patience and guidance as you work on those barriers and your relationship with your stepson’s girlfriend, and praying all come to know Christ through you.
INDIANA ELAINE – agreeing with ADRIENNE that the washing of feet is an example of real humbleness with others, for the receiver and the giver. When my mil’s health was declining and her mobility very limited, I washed her feet and it was an experience for both of us. Humbling for her, because she thought it was too much for me to do for her (not!) and for me, very humbling to be serving someone I loved in a way that was unnatural and uncomfortable to me (and mentally stressful, like RHONDA, I don’t do feet – another item on my list of quirks).
MICHELLE P – such a good question, Would I be able to wash the feet of those who reject me? And perfect answer, Only Christ in me could give me that ability. Thank you!
MARI V – thankful for your good news after appointment
RHONDA J “Serve. Love. Grow. Learn. Wash. Do. Share. Glow.” ❤️
CEE GEE – another new artist?! Thanks! ❤️
MERCY praying printer situation is resolved, and for mortgage paper approval
PAM FITE ❤️
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Descriptive detail that stood out the most after today’s reading is v 25 a “so he leaned back against Jesus and asked him” WOW- I have been faced with many confusing situations, circumstances and moments and often times my first reaction is not to lean in. Here is young John who just witnessed the messiah wash him and his buddies feet, talk about betrayal and fulfilling of scripture and what does he do? He leans in to Jesus!!! So simple and beautiful
Lord, what an amazing reminder of your love for us despite earning it. I am guilty of holding a grudge or choosing to ignore someone around me because they’ve wronged me in some way. Heavenly Father thank you for the reminder that you loved us always and that we should love one another like you have showed us. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness while I act like a child during those times. Thank you for the many opportunities to practice grace forgiveness and loving one another. Imagine a world where we all actually loved one another. Oh what a world Lord.
I have a friend who lives and serves at a mission in Nigril, Jamaica, on the southwest coast of the island. Please pray for Father Colin King, his fellow workers and those they serve. The last he posted was this morning, say they were losing power and would would talk to us again on the other side of Hurricane Melissa.
❤❤❤ Praying they made it through safely!
He washed the feet of Judas. Even knowing what Judas was about to do, and that it would lead to His death. And He told us to do likewise. Love those we know will not love us back. Care for those who will despise us. I fail miserably at this. I’m so grateful He loves me anyway.
Could you even imagine?… Jesus KNEW, but still he washed feet.
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I am not omniscient, and I don’t serve others… and certainly not EVERYONE… as I should.
Wow so convicting. I know I need to do so much better. I hold up a barrier with those that have hurt me or I disagree with.
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I think of Jesus washing Judas feet and I’m ashamed.
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A start will be with my stepsons girlfriend. She didn’t put forth a very good impression the first couple times I’ve been with her. I tend to step away then. I really need to lean in. It’s so hard. They are all non-believers. BUT I will try to do better.
Same, Traci, same.
Lifelong obedience to Christ in one direction – His. Talk about humbling, wow! He could have called angels to get away or to do whatever He wanted…yet right before His death He chose this example. More wow! May I, may we become more Like Jesus every day!
“And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.”
— John 13:14
Quote from Kimberly:
“You showed Your love in such a simple way,
by getting on Your knees,
taking a towel,
and washing the feet of Your friends”.
I have a question, is this a command? Jesus washed the feet of his brethren. Our church used to practice washing one another’s feet. This is a meaningful practice. I remember when I used to teach the “bound for glory” women in our church. What an honor and what wisdom in that class. I felt very humbled. I had the privilege of washing one of those dear women’s feet. What a humbling experience. Jesus served a lot of people, but this was with the brethren. What an experience to love those within our fellowship. If we show love for one another, we can show that love to the world.
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I know of some churches that wash feet. I don’t believe it is a command, really. I think it’s simply an example.
As a teenager, I washed my grandmother’s feet in one of those services. I cried the whole time not because it was hard to wash her feet, but because it was hard to do it and not think about the humility it takes if you want to be like Jesus. I only did it that once but I will never forget it.
My mother was raised in a very old fashioned Church of God, and always believed that we should never partake of The Lord’s Supper without first washing one another’s feet. My dad was Baptist, and Mom joined the Baptist church when they married. We never had “foot washing ” services in the Baptist church is was raised in, but i remember that this always bothered my mother.
This lesson hit me and had me in tears! To wash the feet of those who have betrayed you or will, this is true love! Help me to love like Jesus!
I’m praying for all the requests!
You ladies have such beautiful hearts! You bless me every day!
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I think one of the things that challenges me is how Jesus loved the people who hurt him. Would I be able to wash the feet of those who reject me? Only Christ in me could give me that ability. In our own ambition, we would not desire to love those who have deeply wounded us. Thank you, Jesus, for your example.
❤ Well said, Michelle! ❤ It’s Christ IN us!
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Buenos Dias Hermosas! Wow! I am humbled this morning! Yes I am! Love one another through humble service-to the end. For me it means STOP griping and complaining when it comes taking my mom to the grocery store. Sigh…. I have so many thoughts yet I’m out of time (sad face emoji). I’m up before 5:00am, to shower and get ready. AND as much as I try to hurry to have more time here, I ran out time….sad face… Thank you all for praying for my appointment. All is good!!!
I agree, turning those dreaded “chores” into humble giving- Love!
Good news, Mari… PTL for a good appointment.
PTL!!! ❤
As I read John 13 & Philippians 2:5-10, I feel humbled, convicted & ashamed. My Lord, my Savior didn’t flaunt the fact that He was equal with God, that He was God himself in the flesh. Instead, He chose to take a humble stance by assuming the form of a servant & became obedient even to the point of death. This brings tears to my eyes that Jesus would give everything up for me. That He would give up His position in heaven to be a servant – to wash the filthy feet of those who questioned, betrayed & doubted him. He was dispised, rejected of men and hung on a cross for my sin….and yet, I get offended and hurt and find it hard to forgive some of the littlest offenses done against me. Shame on me. Am I above Christ – certainly not! If He can pour out His love on those who treated Him so unfairly, so commonly – on the one who would betray Him to His death, I certainly must be willing to forgive and love those who have wronged me.
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To love like this, can not be accomplished in one’s own strength, but only through the strength of Jesus Christ. We must lean into Him. We must die to self and put on Christ. We must live humbly and follow His example.
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He humbled Himself…for this reason God highly exalted Him and gave him the name that is above every so at the name of Jesus every knee will bow.
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Jesus Name Above All Names by Naida Hearn…
Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Saviour, Glorious Lord
Emmanuel, God is with us
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word
Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Saviour, Glorious Lord
Emmanuel, God is with us
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word
Lord I praise your name
Jesus name above all names
Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Saviour, Glorious Lord
Emmanuel, God is with us
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word
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Father God help me to set aside myself, to be humble to willingly and without grumbling – follow the example of Jesus love for me. To be willing to “wash the filthy feet” of others simply because Jesus did. Forgive me when I think I am above being a servant. May you be glorified in my life. In Jesus Name Amen.
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These next few days I am visiting a friend in TN – so thankful & blessed that God has allowed me this opportunity!
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Have a blessed Tuesday sweet sisters!
And shame on me too.
Good Morning Dear Shes!
The story of washing the feet always challenges me…..because- well, feet kinda gross me out. The thought of touching others feet, ESPECIALLY sweaty, dirty feet. But that “category” in itself is what we all are spiritually–unclean, dirty, lost, dark, broken, unsaved. Yet, in that state, Jesus cleaned my feet, knelt down from Heaven above, and washed me clean!! Me! I had to chose to let him. To say YES. I want that, I NEED that, there is no other way! And that is where humility comes in. To know there are so, so many. It may just mean serving everyone in humility. These men were saved and followers, but still thought that they were the chosen, the lucky, the ones with a place in power. Yet Jesus says, I have the power, and I am washing YOUR feet. You, shall do the same. But I think of serving those that are lost, to show them the light, the love, the Glory of Jesus. That he humbles me, to love the unloved, the poor, the old and forgotten, the hungry.
Serving others not only blesses them hugely, but we too, get so blessed. Not only in a “I helped, I served” way, but we see how the light can transform when the served “receive” not just the physical, but THE SPIRITUAL. We can feed week after week, which is good and necessary- but to talk with them about spiritual hunger and thirst, and that only Jesus provides the water that will never run dry. That indeed is washing the feet. Helping the women when they get out of jail is so important, but going to them in their “empty” and being able to fill, now that is life giving to them and us. It gives them the seeds of life. Eternal life. It gives them a hope in their darkness, a joy in their sadness, a peace in their unknown.
We do a Serve My City at church where we are able to show what Christians do in a real, “showing” way. Meeting needs. But it points to Jesus who is the ultimate provider, Jehovah Jireh! The provider-physically and physically! That is what we want/should share as we go and serve. Even in our families. No competition, loving each other to build each other up and serving one another. The fruit being produced. Sanctification in action. Once I was too proud to serve,too caught up in myself and self glorifying. Wow. Sad to look back at myself. Yes, I am still a work in progress (we never stop in the race to the end!), but I love that I WANT to do more and more, because time IS short. (I have a few stories to share on FB group later). Jesus is calling his disciples to get ready, gear up, I am leaving- But ya’ll, although you are going to falter and fall back in your humanity and flesh, I am giving you the example. The way. Do as I do dear ones. (can you imagine, Jesus’ human thoughts “these hellians that are thick-skulled are my leaders!”) I think that shows how easy these “influencers” of today are like the disciples and can become self-focused in their fame as preachers and podcasters, and forget they are to be humble and wash feet.
We have lots to learn from this passage don’t we? Serve. Love. Grow. Learn. Wash. Do. Share. Glow.
Good news my yesterday comment has been approved..yipeeeee!
Thanks! I’ll check it out
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“I think Jesus’s example to the twelve belongs to us as well. Love one another through humble service—to the end.”
Written by Seana Scott
Beautiful devo, SEANA; thank you!
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This is a new artist and song to me, but fits this emphasis for humble service.
Humble My Heart – Steph Macleod & Leah McFall (Lyric Video)
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I have to cut out early today. Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Jesus served even the one He knew who would doubt Him, even the one He knew would deny Him not once but 3 times and even the one He knew would betray Him … this betrayal leading to Christ’s sacrifice for my salvation. Wow.
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John 13:1 …..He loved them to the end. ❤️
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13:19 Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.
– More “proof” of who Jesus is to those who knew Him best and still weren’t all in.
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When I think of how my days are filled, I can identify ways that I am serving to some extent some of those around me but I don’t serve like I need to. Will look for more opportunities.
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I think we need to be careful that we don’t serve to the point that we confuse our service with our salvation. Only accepting Christ as our Savior will get our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
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LASHUN R – amen ❤️
CRISSY HUNTER – so true, for the glory of God ❤️
MERCY ❤️ wanting to look righteous rather than be transformed. Praying for Kaydin and his family! Praying for your printer and if we were closer I could run my extra one over to you :/ And praying for the mortgage papers, sister. Thank you for all that you share, encouraging and challenging us in ways that matter.
KIMBERLY Z ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️ “I didn’t apply it to me” … funny, not funny. As you said, more to ponder. And that song! ❤️ On the TikTok version that popped up in my search – the lyrics scroll.
MARI V – praying for your appointment ❤️
WENDY B praying as you continue to navigate these tough decisions, may the Lord guide each one ❤️
TANYA – it’s been many years now, but a very similar rejection happened with our pastor. He taught the Word rather than storming the pulpit with hellfire and brimstone, and we really learned so much from him. But he was replaced with someone who I think didn’t last 6 months – attention seeking. The church eventually dissolved a few years later.
SANDI ❤️ continuing to pray for healing, guidance and provision
Great word, Searching! Don’t let service become an idol. ❤
And thanks for the tictok note. I’m not a follower on there. Is that required? ❤
I’m not sure. Sometimes one pops up and I can see it, and then other times it wants me to sign in. It may depend on how the posters have their settings.
Good comments. And, you’re right, service does not equal salvation.
Loving someone to the point of dying for them is something so pure! Jesus showed us His love through His servant hood and resurrection. Every time I read through John 13, verse 23 always stands out to me. To be described as “one of his disciples, one whom Jesus loved,” is the goal! May we be His hands and feet each day serving one another!
The display of love and sacrifice of our Lord and Savior (in spite of ourselves).
Amen
I was moved to tears with the words “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” Oh, how Jesus loves us. ❤️
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Those words got me too ❤️
Love is messy!
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OMG, Is it!
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This worlds idea of love is confusing at best, crooked and messy!
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The ‘I show you love, you show me what you’ve got’ culture/mentality is scary.. tit for tat living and bartering with what we believe is the cost of ‘my affection’ for you.. you give, I give.. .
We are broken! Oh dear God, we are..
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Love has always been costly! From the beginning of time One gave, and we took. God sent His Son, His only Son, Jesus, to show us how high, how deep, how wide His love was for us. WE sent Him to the cross.. He knew what we would do, and yet, to prove His love He went anyways.. costly..
The King of kings, LORD of lords, Son of God, knelt down to wash feet as an act of love, as an example of how we are to love each other..
I am reminded of the lady who lived in my grandmother’s hometown, all those years ago, who had mental issues. She would eat out of the bins and people would throw stones at her when she came near.. when she died, the whole town turned out to send her home?
Why could ‘her feet not have been washed’ by the town when she was alive? Why shun her, then in death honour her? Where is the mentality in that?
I am often reminded of Efua and the stupidity of life.. I know things have changed now and there is perhaps help out there for these instances..
I guess we may be afraid, but that’s when you do it anyways, when you know you have Jesus, anything is possible.. isn’t it?
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I know loving people that are family is hard, let alone the person on the street you don’t know or have heard things about… the wrong ‘un, the BIGGER sinner than oneself..
Jesus stepped down into our darkness to bring love, light and hope. He washed feet, dirty feet. Filthy feet that belonged to people, like me who carried the weight of sin..
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BUT GOD..
He showed us on that night of the last supper, how we should love one another, in the highs and lows, in the difficult and the hardest, in the simplest and the ‘really?’.
We are to love.. extend a hand, even when .. offer a shoulder, even when.. offer to pray, yes even when.. be gracious, as God has been gracious, absolutely, even when.. go above and beyond, oh absolutely, even when…
If Jesus, Son of God, can wash feet, with His Son of God hands without a thought of unworthy, of those whose feet He washed, who are we to think ‘not my problem ‘ about those who challenge us or are not our equals?
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I definitely am not worthy to have my feet washed by anyone, let alone the King of kings, and yet I am on His list of those for whom He came to save, rescue, love beyond understanding and bring a hope to..
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Lord, help me to love as Jesus loves me, even in the messy and most definitely in the difficult..
Thank you Jesus, thank you.
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Amen.
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Jesus showed me love i had no right to see..
Jesus gave me a love i did not deserve.
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One day we will hear the words from Isaiah 42 in our hearts and over us..
This is my servant; I strengthen him(ger), this is my person. I delight in him(her)..You did me proud..
Until then… let us love as He has loved us..
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Amen.
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Happy Tuesday, my loves..❤️
So much truth, sister ❤️ thank you.
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This was beautiful Tina- I discovered 10 years ago that if I get up every day and ask the Lord to show me how I can love people “sacrificially” by giving my time, money, effort, or belongings so another person experiences the love of Jesus- I am bearing fruit. It has become my life’s motivation. I memorized the first 17 verses of John 15. I believe it is how we are supposed to live as Christians and it is the way to complete joy.
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Great ideas. Praise God.
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Tit for tat living… oh am I guilty of that!! ❤️
Such beautiful thoughts, Tina. Thank you, as always, for sharing your heart with us ❤️
Amen❤️
Song: The Basin and the Towel by Michael Card.
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As Jesus ask Peter, He asks us, “Will you lay down your life for me?”
He also asks, “Will you serve one another in humility?”
“Will you show the world who I am by loving one anther?”
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Will I? O, Lord, may it be so.
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WENDY B – praying for the Lord to fill you with courage and peace as you navigate the process of next steps.
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SANDI – praying the Lord sends you the help you and Brian need.
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MARI V – agreeing with you in prayer for the lump not to be a cause for concern.
❤️ Sobering question, sister, Will I?
Thanks for sharing that song, Kelly! Great question. As Searching said- sobering. Humility has a way of ‘sobering us up’!
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This exact song came to my mind also. It’s so meaningful.
And will I? I agree… sobering, indeed!
Jesus,
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You showed Your love in such a simple way,
by getting on Your knees,
taking a towel,
and washing the feet of Your friends.
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You knew what was coming,
betrayal, denial, the cross,
and still, You chose to love.
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You loved them to the very end.
Sometimes I want to love like that,
but I get caught up in myself,
in pride, in fear, in comfort.
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Help me remember that real love
doesn’t look for status or recognition.
It serves. It forgives. It kneels.
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You said, “I have given you an example.”
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So teach me, Lord,
to follow Your example,
to see others with compassion,
to serve with a willing heart,
to love even when it costs something.
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Let my life reflect Your kind of love,
quiet, steady, and real.
Amen.
Amen ❤️
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Amen.
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Your words are mine too, Kimberly. ❤️