Love Should Reflect God’s Love
We are called to love one another in a world where people are very diverse with many different values and beliefs. This alone can make loving difficult. Jesus knows the struggle is real and provides us with examples of how to care and love for one another. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples to show that status, power, class, or any other label we attribute to someone should NOT be obstacles in caring for our fellow people. No, Jesus isn’t telling us that we should be literally washing each other’s feet today (although that would be ok). But gives this as an example of humbly serving and tending to our neighbors.
“Just as I have loved you, you should also love one another.” This can be hard for us but the reward in doing so far outweighs the challenge.
John 13:12-17, 34 - After he (Jesus) had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”
Prayer: For the Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, 1979; pg. 815.)
Ponderings…
How might you perform acts of service or compassion to express love for people in your community? What might you do or say to express love and kindness to someone different than you? How might your status prohibit or enhance relationships with those in your community AND what might you do to remove barriers?
Illustrations used with permission. Copyright information for print above: Illustration by Elizabeth Wang, T-03939G-CW, ‘God, who loves us, is like the most faithful lover who dazzles his beloved with His gifts, but touches her heart most deeply by his sweetness and gentle care.’, copyright © Radiant Light 2006, <http://www.radiantlight.org.uk/>
