Serving gives you joy - 30 September 2013
Quintus Heine
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. John 13:14
In the passage above, Jesus leaves no doubt at to what you need to make your life full of joy. In verse 14 he makes it clear that we need to wash one another's feet. He goes on to say in verse 17 that you will be blessed if you do this.
In the Middle Ages, there was a man by the name of Francis of Assisi. He was the father of the Franciscan order. These monks had a very simple way of life and a lifestyle dedicated to service. This famous prayer was Francis of Assisi’s motto for life:
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is error, the truth;
Where there is doubt, the faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
To serve people is to make others happy in whatever way you can; and when you do, you will also be happy. Then you will understand the meaning of life! May serving God and others give you real joy.
Prayer: Thank you that by serving me on the cross you made my life full of joy. May I also give my life for others. Amen