This is the first of a two-part devotion on blessing the family of believers.

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."  Galatians 6:2, 10

"Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love...he poured water into a basin and began to wash [their] feet."  You may have realized this is the section in Scripture that tells us what Jesus was doing for his disciples in the last hours of his life on earth.  After all the miracles, preaching, teaching, training those sometimes stubborn disciples how to carry out his commands after he was gone, don't you think Jesus wished he could have been done serving others?  I think I would have been ready to throw in the towel and say, "I'm done. I want someone to do something for me."

Do you ever feel that way? At times this can be our attitude.  Pastors, and often their wives, tend to members who need counseling, care, a listening ear, an encourager and friend.  As women, we don our "Nurturer" hats, helping anyone we can, in anyway we can.  But then comes the temptation to blame others for not returning the favors. We might wonder, "Where is my meal?" after the baby was born, or "Why hasn't anyone reached out to be my friend?" when we are feeling rather lonely.

When those sinful thoughts and attitudes invade your mind, ask for your Father's forgiveness and then trust in the forgiveness that Jesus won for you!  Look to your Savior's example.  Along his journey to the cross to make the ultimate sacrifice, he took every opportunity to serve others and carry others' burdens.  This message will continue to move us to do good to others as we have opportunity.  When we do this, we too fulfill the will of God for our lives.

Ask the Lord
Merciful Father, sometimes I find myself thinking the way the world thinks--that life is all about me.  Your Son showed me differently in the perfect life he lived for me. Humble me, cleanse me of my pride, and help me live each day in humble service to you and to others around me. Amen. 


Paula Sulzle