Serve One Another

   “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.   For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”  (John 13: 13-14)

   Some of the happiest people are those who have chosen to put the needs and desires of others above their own.  Marriages based on the needs of one’s partner are much more likely to be happy and life-long than those based on selfish desires or wants.  Parents who put the needs of their children first raise children who know they are loved.

 

   True friendship involves sacrificing time, effort and perhaps money to help a friend.  Not as a loan or expecting favors in return but out of love.  Friendship isn’t based on who has done the most for the other but on the willingness to be there when needed.  These are the life-long friendships which so enrich our lives.

   Have you ever had the opportunity to help a stranger in need?  If so, you may have found that they were amazed that anyone would do such a thing.  Why would you, a stranger, bother to help someone you didn’t know?  The fact that such an act draws amazement is a sad statement on our society.  We should look for the opportunity to help others with no thought of repayment or even thanks.  Helping others is what Christians are supposed to do.  This is how we share the love of God.

   If you read of people who have lived their lives in this manner you find a great number of saints.  Those who are willing to sacrifice for others truly live their lives as an example of Jesus’ love.  When we look at Him upon the cross we see the love He has for us and the sacrifice He was willing to make to offer us salvation.  He didn’t owe us anything and all He asked in return was love of Him and to share His love with others.

   Love has become such a distorted concept in our society that it’s difficult to truly understand the love God has for us.  But if we follow His example and love everyone, serving them as Jesus served the disciples at the last supper perhaps we can begin to teach society what true love means; the giving of ones self to others.