LOVING JESUS AND OTHERS
The Lord Jesus Christ has sacrificially loved us and forgiven us for our sins, even when we did not love him (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). He asks us to love him and others as he loved us (Luke 10:27).
A SINFUL WOMAN WASHED JESUS’ FEET
The Bible tells us of a woman who recognized her sins and the love of Jesus, and was forgiven for her sins. In some way, she might be an example for some of us.
Jesus was invited to a Pharisee’s house for dinner, when a woman known to be sinner came with an expensive container of perfume. She knelt at the feet of Jesus, and “began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.”
When the religious leader who invited Jesus saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him…is a sinner.”
Knowing every persons thoughts and heart, the Lord said to Simon the Pharisee: “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
Jesus then spoke of the things that the sinful woman did for him, and none of which Simon did for him. Therefore, the Lord said, “I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
Then Jesus said to woman who recognized her sins and Jesus’ love, “Your sins are forgiven.”
The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:36-50).
HOW WE MIGHT RETURN JESUS’ LOVE
We cannot wash Jesus’ feet as the sinful woman did; but we can thank him for forgiving us for our sins (Romans 3:23; 6:23; John 3:16-18). We can love and obey him with all our heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37; John 14:15). We can love others as he loved us (John 15:12). Jesus said, in as much as you show love to the least of those whom he loves, you do it for him. (Matthew 25:34-40).
I am one of those who recognize I have been forgiven for much, and endeavor with the help of the Holy Spirit to obey the Lord and do things that Jesus said we might do for others on his behalf. Please allow me, as an example of one who is thankful for his love, to share how the Lord has given me opportunity to do things he mentioned in Matthew 25:34-40 that we could do to show love to others on his behalf.
FEED THE HUNGRY. I have given financial support and prayed for missionaries who minister to the needy, while they minister the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected. During the time of health and financial crisis when many people lost their jobs, and had a shortage of food, I donated food to a food pantry, and to some individuals.
VISIT THE SICK. For years, I have visited the sick in their homes, in nursing homes and in hospitals. In their homes, I have provided companionship; and have I assisted with cleaning, errands and other needs. I have gone to nursing homes and hospitals with church groups to minister to the sick; and I have gone alone. I have taken them cards and small gifts; sat and talked with them; read psalms and scripture to those who were open to the Bible. I have called them to let them know I was thinking of them.
VISIT THOSE IN PRISON. I voluntarily assisted a Pastor who ministered in a prison. I voluntarily taught a Bible class in a residential substance abuse program. Subsequently, the Lord gave me a job working in a prison substance abuse program. In these programs, I did rehabilitative and spiritual counseling. Some participants I worked with accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior; others rededicated their lives to him. And the Lord used me to minister to and pray with some participants who were sick or dying in hospitals.
For all that our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ has done for us, as we each have opportunity, we should do all we can to show our love for him, and Christ-like love for others. In all that we do we should do it with a thankful heart for Jesus’ glory, as we await his return to take us to live with him in heavenly glory forever.
