Receive First, Then Act
Perseverance, Love, Service
Walking in the light and love of Jesus…
“Walk while you have the light…” – John 12:35, CSB
“You will never wash my feet,” Peter said. Jesus replied, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.” – John 13:8, CSB“Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.” – John 13:34, CSB
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” – John 14:26, CSB
Jesus is the way
“I am the way,” Jesus said to His disciples (John 14:6). Whatever our questions may be, our example for how to walk forward is Jesus Himself. We may not have all the answers – in fact, we clearly don’t! – however, we are called to walk in whatever light He has given us. There may be much that we still don’t understand, situations that perplex us, relationships that confuse us, and decisions that feel daunting. In all of these things, Jesus is still the way, and so much more than just as a reminder to “do it like Jesus.”
This is not optional
Jesus says things like, “Let me wash you,” making it clear that for His followers, this is not optional. He goes on: “Just as I have loved you, love one another like that.” A major part of the way forward in any situation is receiving Jesus’ love and care for ourselves. Then, it’s from that love that we can in turn love others. It’s in that love that we can best hear and receive truth, and it’s that love that we can best speak and apply truth to life-giving action.
Receive the love of God
We live and love best out of our experience of God’s love for us, and the Holy Spirit helps us to bring Jesus’ words and ways into our lives right now, right where we are. How do we keep walking? How do we keep serving? How do we keep loving? It starts by receiving the love of the Father for us in Christ Jesus. With His love fueling us, we can walk, love, and serve in the same way.
Think:
What is the difference between Jesus’ words being only a manual or rulebook, and Jesus Himself being ‘The Way?’
How would you describe your relationship with Jesus? Does it include receiving from Him, or is more of a one-way service from you? Like Peter, does Jesus’ desire to serve you ever make you feel awkward or uncomfortable? If so, what about it makes you uncomfortable?
Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of Jesus’ love for you. One of my favorite ways to do this is to ask God this question: “How much do you love me?” I ask it regularly. Scriptures may then come to my mind, and also pictures. The Holy Spirit loves to reveal the love of God to us, so expect to hear (or see) a response. Write down what you feel you are hearing/seeing/sensing, and then test it according to the Bible, the inspired word of God.
Is there a particular dilemma or challenge you or your team are facing? Ask Jesus to show you how He will be ‘the way’ for you in this.
Prayer:
“Holy Spirit, thank You for making Jesus’ word, love, and care for me tangible and apparent. May I walk in the light, truth, and love You pour out on me. May my service to others flow from Your gracious service to me. Keep teaching and helping me to receive Your care.”