Service as an Expression of WorshipНамуна

Holding Love to the End

Each of the evangelists brings a unique perspective to the life of Jesus. John focuses on his final days on earth. Through his commentaries, he offers us a more comprehensive understanding, painting vivid scenes: Jesus with his disciples, the impending betrayal by Judas, and the beginning of the end of his earthly journey. It is in this context that Jesus reveals a profound aspect of his service: love.

During my recent unplanned surgery at the emergency room, I was admitted next to a young couple who had to leave their son in the hospital. They seemed unprepared to pay the medical bills. However, a kind man approached them discreetly, took their hands, and gave them some bills. While looking into their eyes, he whispered, "I am also a father, and I understand what it means to have your son in such a situation."

Service should be an expression of love, and the simplicity of its acts should reflect depth. If we aspire to serve others in the manner of Jesus, or to support causes that transcend, we cannot serve as if we are mere nuts or interchangeable pieces. A service that pleases God cannot result from a sense of duty or a strategy to accomplish something for "our team." If we do so, we will not reflect the nature of God. He didn't come to transact business; He came to transform lives. When love impels us to serve, we are reminded that we serve as one who loves and deserves love.

Jesus had already connected with His disciples before He noticed the dirty feet. His expression of love through washing their feet was simple yet profound. It reminded us that we must first connect with others before serving them. Understanding their pain and showing love takes us to another level of compassion. We should not serve from a position of superiority, but rather from a place of connection. If we try to serve without first connecting, we may fall into a pit of pity, which is far from true compassion.

Let us ask God to help us see into the hearts of those we serve, to rid us of pride, and to teach us valuable lessons through our simple actions.