Serving One Another as Proof of Love
Author
Carmen Ray-Calvo
Summary: Jesus Christ gave us the supreme example of service by humbly taking on the task of a slave and washing his disciples’ feet. Following his example means responding in concrete ways to a brother or sister in need. Mercy does not consist merely in feeling pity or expressing compassion, but in acting on their behalf. Although today we may not literally wash someone’s feet, there are many ways to serve in daily life. Therefore, we must ask the Lord to help us understand and put his example into practice. Our service to one another demonstrates love, identifies us with Christ, and constitutes the credential that distinguishes the children of God.
We see in our Lord Jesus Christ the supreme example of service. He took the place that belonged to the slave and washed his disciples’ feet. In those days, people walked several miles along dusty roads (in sandals) to reach their destinations. For that reason, washing one’s feet upon arriving at the house was essential; this was the servant’s task. Here is our Lord taking this humble position to teach his disciples—and us today—a lesson.
Mutual service speaks of love. By serving a brother in need, we identify ourselves with our Lord, who, seeing man in his difficulties and needs, is moved to mercy. And having mercy does not mean seeing your brother lying on the ground and passing by with an expression of pity in your mind or on your lips; it means doing something for that brother.
Perhaps today you may not have to wash a brother’s physical feet, but there are many ways to wash feet today in the world in which we live. I hope that you and I can say to 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 demonstrating your love, and love is the credential that distinguishes us as children of God.