09. Love That Costs You Something
Article 09
Love That Costs You Something
Article 09
Someone may discover the love of Jesus through an act of kindness that interrupts your plans.
A phone call that lasts longer than you expected.
A meal you prepare when you are tired.
A ride. A visit. A practical need you could meet, but meeting it would mean giving something up.
You have prayed for an open door. You have invited someone to your table. Perhaps you have begun opening the Bible together.
Now comes a question:
Will you love them when it becomes inconvenient?
In John 13, Jesus gave His disciples a picture they would never forget.
He rose from supper, laid aside His outer garments, wrapped a towel around His waist, and began washing their feet.
These were dusty feet from dirty roads. This was humble, personal service.
And Jesus, their Teacher and Lord, knelt before them.
He knew the cross was approaching. Yet He took time to wash their feet.
Even Judas’s betrayal did not keep Jesus from serving the men at that table.
Then He told them to follow His example.
The hands that would soon be pierced were willing to wash dirty feet.
What might following His example look like for us?
It might mean sitting with someone in grief after everyone else has returned to normal life.
Helping a neighbor with a task they can no longer manage.
Taking a meal to a family whose struggles have become exhausting.
Listening patiently to someone who keeps asking the same questions.
Offering an apology when pride tells you to defend yourself.
These acts may receive little recognition. They can still reveal something beautiful about Jesus.
People notice when your love has room for their actual lives.
They notice when you remember.
When you return.
When you keep your word.
When their trouble becomes important enough for you to rearrange your day.
Love becomes visible when we give something of ourselves.
We need wisdom about what we can offer. We cannot meet every need, and sometimes loving someone means helping them take responsibility or involving others.
But we can ask an honest question:
Have I called something impossible when it is simply inconvenient?
Jesus said people would recognize His disciples by their love for one another (John 13:34-35).
As we help people discover Him, they should have opportunities to see that love practiced. Around our tables. In our fellowships. In the way we respond when someone needs help.
And as new believers learn to follow Jesus, we can invite them to serve alongside us.
Deliver the meal together.
Visit the lonely person together.
Meet a need together.
Let them experience the joy of giving, and help someone else do the same.
That is part of making disciples: learning to obey Jesus in the ordinary places where love requires action.
This week, pick up the towel.
Think of one person whose need you already know.
Ask Jesus:
“What would love require of me here?”
Choose one specific act of service. Put it on your calendar. Follow through.
You may never know everything God begins through that simple act.
But someone will know they were loved.
Want to go further?
Get equipped: Take the ten Zúme lessons. My teaching series will help you practice simple tools for making disciples who make disciples. Take the lessons with a few friends, and begin putting them into practice.
Let’s connect for coaching: If you want help taking your next step, contact me. I would be glad to walk alongside you as you learn to make disciples and help new fellowships grow and multiply.
Help encourage those doing the work: Your gift would be tax deductible and overseen by Northside Christian Church, our sending church. There are many we coach that could use encouragement in small ways to accomplish great things.
Terry Ruff
DMM Catalyst & Zúme Trainer | Missionary at Northside Christian Church
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