Choosing humility and initiating forgiveness in relationships can be a difficult choice to make. Especially when we feel hurt, rejected, betrayed, or neglected… right? Lord help us all!
Yet, I say, “Thank You, Jesus… for the gift you’ve given me, washing and cleansing my heart and life, by choosing humility and initiating to offer me forgiveness, even when I don’t deserve it.
My main point from last Sunday’s teaching from John 13:1-20 is still resonating in and convicting my heart.
John 13:12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (NIV)
Jesus chose to humble Himself (as equal to God mind you!), knowing His betrayer was in His presence, to exemplify the act of love – the washing of His disciple’s feet (including Judas’). Do I…do we, truly understand what He has done? (v12) Jesus instructs us to follow His example and “do as I have done for you.”
Jesus, the Son of God, Immanuel – God with us, who came in human form, serves as a High Priest to example humility. He will forever purify and cleanse our sins, washing us with His lifeblood.
Jesus ultimately chooses humility and initiates forgiveness, serving and obeying Father God, sacrificing His life on the cross. He becomes our redemptive love offering, cleansing and purifying our hearts and lives!
Thus…we must go and do likewise, unwrapping the gift of Jesus’ love, choosing humility, and initiating forgiveness in our relationships. Perhaps this is a way, we can wash one another’s feet.
