Mutual service as proof of love

SUMMARY: Jesus Christ set the ultimate example of service by washing his disciples' feet, a task typically reserved for servants. Serving others is a way of showing love and compassion, and is a defining characteristic of being a child of God. Though we may not have to physically wash someone's feet today, there are still many ways we can serve and show love to those in need.

We see in our Lord Jesus Christ a maximum example of service. He took the slave's place and washed his disciples' feet. In those days people walked several miles on dusty roads (in sandals) to get to their destination. For that reason it was essential to wash your feet when arriving at the house, this was a function of the servant; here is our Lord taking this humble position to teach his disciples and us today.

Mutual service speaks of love. By serving our brother in need we identify with our Lord who seeing man in his difficulties and needs is moved with mercy and having mercy is not seeing your brother lying on the ground and passing by with an expression of pity in your mind or lips, is to do something for that brother.

You may not have to wash a brother's physical feet today, but there are many ways to wash your feet today in the world we live in. Hopefully you and I can tell the Lord help me understand your example of service and put it into practice in our daily lives.

When you serve your brother you are showing your love and love is the credential that distinguishes us as children of God.