….by love serve one another. Galatians 5:13b
Painful Past
I listened as my friend stood before our youth group pouring out a painful detail of her past.
Her heart held deep regret, shame, and emotional scars. She had carried her burden for years but she cared enough about the souls sitting before her to share her story. She feared they too would make the same heart-wrenching mistake therefore she ministered despite her pain.
His Voice
The voice of the Holy Spirit spoke to me as my heart pounded within. My mind wrestled with his clear instruction. Was I to obey?
Yes, Lord!
I left my seat. As I searched through a church closet to find what I needed my heart seemed to throb through my whole body. This was not a rational thing to do. What would others think? Was this REALLY what God was leading me to do? I fought the enemy’s lies and decided to obey.
I filled the plastic dishpan with water and headed down the center aisle of the church. I fell on my knees before my friend, removed her shoes, and washed her feet.
Love
She had just shared an unholy detail of her past but who was I to judge? She needed love from her friends. She needed healing from the Father. She needed cleansing and forgiveness. I couldn’t offer the healing, cleansing, and forgiveness that she needed-those were the things that only Jesus could offer. I could however offer her my love and support through the humble act of foot washing.
Sometimes what Jesus asks us to give may take some self-denial and surrender-sometimes required with a quick act of obedience. I wish I could say that I always obey but I can’t.
Jesus is Our Example….
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he was come from God, and went to God.
He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
After he poureth water into a bason and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
John 13: 3-5
So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
John 13:12-15
Powerful testimony. Lord, help us obey right away.
Thanks for commenting on my devotions dear friend!