An Intentional Love

Dean pointed those of us gathered at the Men's Ministry group to John 13, where we read about Jesus washing the feet of His friends at the Last Supper. As we talked our way through the text, one thought was persistent in my mind. Jesus' actions that evening did not come from some surge of emotion at the realization that this was the last Passover He would celebrate with those 12 men. He was intentional, taking advantage of the moment to teach the the self-sacrificial quality of love that God desires in each one of us. "After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because it is true. And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet." (John 13:12-14, NLT) Dean helped to remember that Jesus also washing Judas' feet, a choice to serve the man who was about to betray Him to His enemies! Dan added that loving people out to do us wrong is possible only if we are acting in faith, honoring God with our actions, without any demand for a specific outcome.

I am asking myself, "Jerry, is your love intentional in that way? Do you choose to love, or wait for some stirring of sentiment before you act?" Serving others comes easily when they're nice, appreciative, and are capable of reciprocating my loving acts. But, what about those who are nasty, mean, selfish, and/or critical? Will I serve them with love on purpose? The questions are difficult because they reveal a very human trait in me that tends to love the lovely! Jesus puts it straight - "If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that." (Luke 6:31-34, The Message)

During this Christmas time, there will be gathering that will likely bring you into contact with people at work who have tried to undermine you or who have been critical of you during the year. Are you going to 'play nice' and paste a smile over your hostility, or will you take the road of Jesus and serve them with intentional love? Extended families will gather. When you meet up with Aunt Emily, who has snubbed you too many times to count over the years, you will have an opportunity to be genuinely loving. Will you do it, for Jesus' sake?

Jesus could not have found washing the feet of those twelve men all that enjoyable! Come on, take off the rose-colored glasses and see the story for what it is. Dusty, sweaty, stinking feet of men who had walked through city streets where animals walked and emptied their bowels and bladders, where garbage was thrown.... yeah, there it is! That's where those feet had been. Now, He's holding them in His hands, washing the grime from them. No soft lighting, no violins playing the background. It isn't the movies, it is real life! His love was intentional, costly, and - best of all- life changing for those men, though not for all of them. John never forgot that moment and decades later wrote it down for us. Judas missed the lesson, went out and betrayed the Lord, and died at his own hand, filled with regrets.

Learn from Jesus. Love with intentional love, and yes, even love the unlovely.
-- “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:43-45, NIV)
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How Deep The Father's Love For Us
Townend, Stuart

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon a cross.
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life -
I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.

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