Love As Jesus Loved

I work part time in a busy kitchen of a somewhat big restaurant and have for a while now. I was thinking the other day how we many times as christians dont really give a helping hand or share the love of Christ in us by availing ourselves to help those in need. A case in sight is my own: There is a man who comes to clean, scrub and basically wipe down everything. Over the past year or so, he kept coming to ask me (in the middle of a busy shift) to help him lift tables so he could mop or scrub the floor. I helped him a couple of times and thereafter started to say no to him. And each time I said no, this guy wore a very sad face which is understandable given the fact that the only one person who could have helped said no to him. He really needed help as the tables are not light at all. Each time I said no to him, the Spirit of God convicted me. The excuse I gave God was that I had to finish my own work quickly. Then came the question: "What about him? Dont you think he has to finish his work as well"?.

Now, I wonder why I didnt cheerfully help this guy when he needed help. It always took (still does)2 minutes of my time to help. Even in the middle of a busy shift, we can still have time to assist others. It took me a few months with the constant conviction by God to realize how selfish I had been and yet if I had been in his shoes, Im sure this guy would have helped me. I now happily help this guy and the smile on his face is wide but I also know that I do it for God when I help like this. Im also happy to take a few minutes of my time to help.
Are we as christians doing all we can to potray Christ through our lives? What kind of fruites are we bearing for the Kingdom of God or are we just busy trying to make ends meet?

The above is an excellent example of how we miss the chance to share the love of Christ with people just because we are in a hurry to complete or accomplish stuff in our own lives. This can only mean one thing: We tend to put ourselves before others which is a direct contrast to what Jesus taught. Is the Love of Christ that is in us overflowing into other people's lives?

God loved us long before we ever knew Him, and loved us far more than we deserved; "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Our Heavenly Father sent His Son to die for the forgiveness of our sins "that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). And He sent His Spirit to comfort, guide, and strengthen us all the rest of our days.

God's love has created a debt we can never fully repay, but it's a debt of love we now honor by loving others; "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another" (Romans 13:8). As we reach out to those around us, we are actually reaching up and loving our Heavenly Father; "He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people" (Hebrews 6:10). We know we should love one another, but what is the proper expression of our love?

Jesus had gathered with His disciples for what would be their last meal together. While they were eating in the upper room, Jesus "showed them the full extent of His love" (John 13:1).

John 13:4-5
"He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him."

In this, His clear demonstration of love, the Creator of the Universe lowered Himself to the position of a common house servant and washed the feet of His disciples. His example of love was completely void of pride or selfish motives. There was no agenda in His actions other than to pour out pure love. Only moments later Jesus told His disciples; "As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34).

Jesus was able to love with true humility and self-sacrifice because He was absolutely secure in His Heavenly relationship; "Jesus knew He had come from God and was returning to God" (John 13:3). Jesus knew who He was and where He was going; His self-esteem was independent of feedback from the world - independent of any appreciation He may have received in return. Jesus was sent to love, so He loved!
We are now sent to love with this same servant's heart - a heart that simply considers the needs of others and then reaches out to "take care of My sheep" (John 21:16). Let's secure our Heavenly relationship through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus and then live each day with a humble heart that only His security allows. Let's love our Heavenly Father as we reach out to the world and love as Jesus loved.Let the cup of God's Love in us overflow to touch and change other lives.
THIS IS OUR GOD!!


Have a blessed day!!