Digging Deeper: Love in Action
Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.
John 13:1 (NLT)
LOVE IN ACTION
What kind of love kneels before the one who will betray you?
What kind of love washes the feet of someone who will deny even knowing you?
That’s unconditional love.
Jesus’ love didn’t flinch. It didn’t retreat or draw lines. Instead, He leaned in—to everyone at that table.
His act of foot washing was driven by deep, sacrificial love. It wasn’t selective love. Among the disciples were Peter, who would deny Him, and Judas, who would betray Him. Yet Jesus didn’t hesitate. He washed all of their feet—without bitterness, without holding back. That kind of love goes far beyond emotion; it’s a conscious decision to put others first, even when they don’t deserve it.
We know the cost of love—whether in parenthood, friendship, ministry, or leadership. True love means serving when we’re tired, forgiving when it hurts, and showing up even when our hearts are fragile.
Jesus gives us the perfect example: to love bravely, not perfectly. To serve not because others have earned it, but because He first loved us. This kind of love rarely comes with applause. It often happens behind the scenes—through small, sacred sacrifices. But it’s in those hidden places that we are most like Christ.
Prayer
Jesus, help us to lead like You. Give us eyes to see the needs of others and a heart willing to meet those needs, no matter the cost. Help us embody Your love—even when it’s hard, even when it’s not returned. Teach us to serve from a heart that overflows with Your compassion. Let our love be more than words; let it become action that changes lives and transforms the community around us.
Amen.
Kelly Skelton is a Georgia native, raised in the south on Jesus, Georgia football and sweet tea. She is her husbands’ biggest fan and her two daughters’ loudest cheerleaders. She recently published her first children’s book titled, But God Had a Plan. She stays active in the Dallas area as a photographer, videographer, writer, and middle school teacher.