So he got up from the table, removed his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then, he washed the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel around him. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. John 13:4-5 & 14-15
“Helping is easy. Being helped takes strength.” Dave Holmes
The Strength And Humility To Receive
Unclinch your grip from your bootstraps.
Unfix your eyes from the dirt floor.
As you lift your head, lift your arms.
As you lift your arms, open your heart.
With all your strength, let go of your pride.
Receive the gift of help from those who love you.
By receiving the gift from the giver, you both are blessed.
Is a gift a gift if it isn’t received?
One of the hardest things followers of Christ can do is to receive a gift.
Yet, Jesus commanded us to give.
He has given us His gifts of the Holy Spirit to serve one another and this world He has called us to love.
When I find another reluctant to receive, I tell them God gave me the gift to share, and if it is not shared, it isn’t a gift.
Jesus told us to “wash each other’s feet.”
We cannot complete this love exchange if you keep your shoes on.
So, take off your shoes.
Open your heart in humility.
And share with the giver by receiving the gifts of His love.
How have you been reluctant to receive gifts from others?
What excuses have you used to reject another’s help?
What needs to change for you to receive as well as you give?
Lord, may we open up in humility and receive the gift of Your love. Find us not exchanging gifts but receiving them and giving them forward as we love one another. Amen