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Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. (John 13:3–5 NLT)
While acts of service are largely thought of as grand gestures—washing feet, helping a friend move, or inviting an aging parent to live with you—the discipline of service, like any spiritual discipline, is centered around everyday acts. This is why it is a discipline; it is practiced not in the one-time events but in the day-to-day activities. There should be no hint of legalism in this, nor any sign of salvation by works, but it should simply be an outflowing of love for people made in the image of God.
Take time today to serve in small acts. Acknowledge and affirm the worth of others through words of encouragement, small deeds, or moments of kindness. As you work through how to serve those around you through simple acts, take note of how often your soul rejoices in these deeds yet how easily your flesh reverts to its natural selfish state.
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Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.
—Thérèse de Lisieux
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