“…Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love.” John 13:1 NIV84
In John 13, Jesus was with His disciples when He “showed them the full extent of His love” as He picked up a towel and served His team. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, demonstrating that true leadership is about real love and that real love will serve. Jesus told the men that His actions were to be an example to them to serve one another. Sometimes the best way to communicate our value for someone else is through the words, “What can I do to help you?”
Galatians 5:13 “….through love serve one another.”
Whether we are the leader or a team player, we are motivated to assist each other when we know that our relationships have meaning and value. Service isn’t just about duty to our authority or fellow man; service is about the love with have for one another. Real love will submit to one another. Real love will be compelled to put action to it.
II Corinthians 5:14 “For the love of Christ compels us…”
We yield ourselves, we offer ourselves, to one another. Submission is a privilege, an honor. When love overtakes my heart, I want to do anything I can to demonstrate the worth you are to me. I want to serve. I want to give. I want to build. I want to do life together with the people I care about. Real love can’t sit still. Real love has to let you know how much it cares. Real love is compelled to have expression.
Apostle Paul called himself a bondservant of Christ. A bondservant was a servant who wasn’t obligated by debt or duty to serve their authority, but they willingly chose to serve their authority because of the love, honor and care the servant had for their authority (see Deuteronomy 15:12-18). Paul wasn’t being forced into service; he willingly chose to serve the Lord Jesus because he loved Him. We should do the same, considering ourselves as bondservants to the Lord, serving one another, the people in His kingdom. Jesus said, “If anyone serves Me, him my father will honor (John 12:26).”
Application: I would like to challenge you to start each day this week with a plan to help at least one person. It doesn’t matter if you know them or not; just find something you can do or give or be for someone else. Watch what God will do through the love you demonstrate!