Love in Action


Recently I read the story in John 13 where Jesus showed love in action—by washing the disciples’ feet. He said (paraphrased): “I insist you love each other and show it by action.” These days foot-washing is not normal procedure when a friend comes to visit. However, there are many different and wonderful ways to express your genuine love for someone.

Love-in-action could mean that I allow my loved ones freedom. I respect their choices without criticizing, when it’s not what I would do. When they don’t seem to need me as much as I need them, I try hard not to act hurt and angry. Instead, I try to understand what they are going through. I try to put myself in their place. Maybe there’s something I don’t know (and, there ALWAYS IS). I ask myself: "If I were that person, how would I possibly be feeling?"
It’s like foot-washing. You may feel “one-down” and humbled when you care about someone and they don’t seem to return that same degree of love. The human reaction is to get angry and act like: “I don’t care about you, either!” But you do. You’re just hurting.
Now, instead of responding in anger when I feel unloved, I’ve decided to do something different. That may just mean not coming back with a quick retort when I feel: criticized...hurt...left out...unseen or ignored.

My understanding of God’s love for me leads me to trust that, in time, God will bring plenty of love my way. 

I may also need to do something different from my old patterns.

It's worth it.

Comments

  1. Replies
    1. Dear Joyce, thank you! And, bless you for your kind heart, dear friend.

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