Love in Action

In John 13:2-17 Jesus washed twelve pairs of dirty feet. Why? He wanted to teach the disciples about serving those whom you love. Words of love are meaningless without actions to accompany them. He wanted them to love each other as He loved them and part of that love is willingly serving each other. Jesus thought nothing of removing His clothes, wrap-ping a towel around His waist and getting down on His knees to wash their feet. He had said that He did not come to be served but to serve. Love and service go hand in hand.

My husband told me of a man whose wife had taken such good care of him throughout their marriage. So, when she got Dementia and could no longer take care of herself, he was more than happy to do it . It was a joy for him to look after the woman who had been such a good wife to him.

Another woman’s husband used to mistreat her and take her for granted. One day he got scared and smartened up when she became ill. All those times when he had been unkind to her, she continued to love and care for him. He began to treat her the way she deserved to be treated. It took a while for her to get used to this change.

True love is not lip service, it is action. It is shown in kind, thoughtful acts and selflessness. Love your spouse the way Jesus loves you. It’s not always an easy thing to do so, but with God’s help, you can do it.