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When Christ wanted to teach his disciples how to treat each other, he realized that experiencing something is more life-changing than words alone. So Jesus got up from the meal, took off his outer garments, and began washing their dusty feet—a service usually relegated to the lowliest servant. Then, based on the powerful experience they'd just shared, he taught his disciples about serving each other.

In the same way, your spouse may need to experience Christ's love through you before he can believe it's real. If you consistently demonstrate Christ's love by serving your spouse, you appropriately give him the opportunity to experience Christ's love in a way that goes beyond mere words and religious talk.

If your spouse is receptive, link your service with an explanation that you're following Christ's example. Christ didn't intend to become a perpetual doormat. He said, "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am" (13:13). But he explained that this ceremony modeled the attitude of service that ought to develop among his disciples (13:12-20). In the same way, your service to your spouse should model Christ's love—so that your spouse will be drawn to faith. Your service also provides an example of the servant attitude that should eventually characterize both you and your spouse. (See also Genesis 39; 41:39; Song of Solomon 2:16-3:4; 1 Peter 3:1-8; Revelation 21:9-22:21.)

I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. John 13:15

In what ways do you "wash" your spouse's feet on a daily basis?

Copyright 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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