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By In John 15:12, Jesus says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (ESV). God loves each of us and desires us to live lives that honor Him. He wants us to love others by reflecting His character and acting as His hands and feet in the world. One way we can achieve this is by humbly serving others.
Jesus demonstrated humble service by washing the feet of his disciples. “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (John 13: 3-5 – ESV). During this period in history, feet were filthy, and washing them was not a task one would expect someone like Jesus to perform. Most people would consider such a task beneath them. Yet, Jesus chose to perform this act of service for His disciples, demonstrating the importance of serving with humility.
I have had the privilege of meeting some amazing women through a housing ministry that supports families in getting back on their feet by providing safe housing. Some residents are former addicts, others are fighting to get their children back, and others may just be struggling financially. Each resident comes to them in a tough situation, and the ministry helps to restore them.
One resident I have become friends with commented about seeing the program director walking across the courtyard with a plunger. She said she could not believe someone like her would be doing the “dirty” work. Being seen with a plunger could be considered beneath many people; this is something that would be delegated to someone else. Yet this director demonstrated love by humbly serving those in the ministry’s care. That moment helped my friend to fully embrace what the program offered. It made her feel comfortable and loved in her situation. This simple act and many other acts of love played a significant role in turning my friend’s life around. Simple acts of love and humble servitude have helped her go from living on the streets to having a home to raise her children, a job, and a college education.
The world will tell us that some jobs are beneath us and some people are unworthy or unlovable. Yet, if we look at Jesus’s life, we can see that he did not share those thoughts. Jesus showed kindness and reached out to those who were considered less than during His time –such as lepers, tax collectors, and women. Society did not value these people during this period in history, but Jesus recognized them for who they truly were. He knew they were each created in God’s image and valued them. He loved them deeply.
One of my favorite songs is “Do Something” by Matthew West. In this song, he talks about all the needs he sees around him that are being ignored. He says that he shakes his fists at heaven and asks, “God, why don’t You do something?” He said, “I did, yeah, I created you.” God created each of us to live lives that further His kingdom and share His love with those around us. When we view the world through the lens of the Bible rather than the world’s view, we start to see others as beautiful and worthy creations. When we recognize others as someone created in God’s image and loved by Him, we realize they deserve our love, too. They are worthy of our humble service.
How can you serve humbly and show love to others right where you are? What tasks might be considered beneath you by some but would reflect Jesus to others? Maybe you could serve a meal at a homeless shelter. Maybe you could let someone else take the spotlight and be in charge of a role you usually perform. Maybe you could take someone a meal or help them with chores around their house. Maybe you could spend time chatting with the residents in a nursing home. Maybe you could notice a need around you and meet it.
When you act and choose to serve those around you, remember the word “humbly.” Serve because you are called to make a difference and are sharing God’s love. Make sure your heart is in the right place, and you are not serving to be seen. 1 Kings 8:61 says, “And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God” (NIV). When your heart is fully committed to God, you serve because He flows through you, not because you want credit or are checking the boxes of a good Christian. You are serving because you see others as beautiful creations who deserve love, and God moves you to serve.
There are countless ways to show love. I encourage you to make an effort to see the people around you, really see them, because when you take notice of others, you will discover opportunities to be the hands and feet of God.
By Lara Caldwell from Rewbi Bible Studies
