Loving Humble Service
The core characteristic of a disciple we focused on Sunday is loving, humble, service. The reality is that while we worked out of Romans 13:8-10, Luke 10:25-37, and Mark 10:41-45 there are many, many places in the New Testament where the followers of Jesus are called to loving humble service. In fact, there are multiple passages in the New Testament that feel like plagiarism because they are so close to Romans 13:8-10. So, rather than write another couple hundred words on the topic, I thought I would leave these Scripture passages for your reading, reflection, and action. May we ever be growing in loving humble service as we seek to emulate the Greatest Loving, Humble, Servant- the Lord Jesus.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. - Romans 12:9-11
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself. - Galatians 5:13-14
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. - Ephesians 4:1-2
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. - James 2:8-13