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). And “he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him” (Acts 10:38). He asks us to love him and others as he loved us (Luke 10:27).
JESUS FORGAVE A SINFUL WOMAN WHO WASHED HIS FEET.
The Bible tells us of a sinful woman who washed the feet of Jesus after he forgave her:
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).
This woman who recognized her sins and the love and forgiveness of Jesus, then washed his feet, could be an inspiration to others (John 13:34; Luke 10:27).
HOW WE MIGHT LOVE JESUS AND OTHERS.
Recognizing the love of Jesus, as the sinful woman did, might inspire some to love the Lord Jesus; and to forgive and do good for others as he did. Personally, I have been inspired by the great love of Jesus to love him and others.
I realize cannot wash Jesus’ feet as the sinful woman did; but I can love and thank him for loving and forgiving me for my sins (Romans 3:23; John 3:16-18). I can do what he advises those who are forgiven and righteous to do for him and others:
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:34-40).
FEEDING THE HUNGRY. During a recent 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. 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.
VISITING 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 greeting 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.
VISITING 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.
No one has shown greater love for us than Jesus Christ. He even died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). For all that our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ has done for us, we ought to do all we can to demonstrate our love for him; and show Christ-like love for others. The biblical word of God says: “as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).“ “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). We should do this even as we await our Lord’s return to take us to live with him in heaven forever (John 14:3).
