When a group of young children were asked, “What is love?” they gave some thoughtful and some hilarious answers:

“Love means everybody has a family,” said four-year-old Adam.

Six-year-old Jasmine said, “Love is when you tell a boy you like his shirt, and he starts to wear it almost every day.”

Another child replied, “When my grandma got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and polish her toenails anymore. So my grandpa does it for her all the time now, even when his hands got arthritis too.”

Grandpa’s sweet example of sacrifice brings to mind an amazing story in the Bible. Jesus, knowing He wouldn’t be with His disciples for much longer because of His imminent arrest and crucifixion, took a towel and wrapped it around His waist (John 13). He poured water into a bowl and began to wash His disciples’ feet. Peter recoiled at the thought because it didn’t seem right: The Master and Lord bending low and touching my dirty feet? Yet in order to teach them what it meant to serve others, Jesus said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (vv. 12, 14).

After teaching His followers for three years, Jesus gave His life for our sins. Humility and sacrifice—the true nature of love.

So, how do we learn to give sacrificial love? Start by asking God for His direction. He’s created you and has given you gifts to use in serving others.

  • Keep your eyes and heart open to those around you.
  • Help someone with a project or need.
  • Serve your own family.
  • Provide a meal for strangers or a neighbor.
  • Pray for someone you might not care for.

How will you “wash” someone’s feet today? –Anne Cetas, Our Daily Bread author

Read Also:

When Forgiveness Seems Impossible

God’s concept of love is so radically different from our own. We tend to love what we like. We are inclined to embrace what is comfortable and to avoid what brings pain. But, God tells us, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good” (Rom. 12:9). How can we still love others sincerely and forgive them willingly, even when it costs us?

Our Daily Bread Ministries in Indonesia is supported by the freewill offering of individuals in Indonesia, who through their gifts enable us to continue to bring the life-changing wisdom of the Bible to many here. We are not funded by any church or organisation.