By Rev. Dr. Jasson K. Levi
We live in a world where love is often reduced to words—spoken quickly, promised easily, and sometimes forgotten just as fast. In many African cultures, however, love is not always expressed openly. Saying “I love you” in public can feel uncomfortable, even unnecessary. Yet even without words, people recognize love. They see it in actions—in how someone treats their spouse, their children, or their friends. Real love is not only spoken; it is lived.
In John 13, on the night before the cross, Jesus redefines love in a striking and unforgettable way. At a moment when He could have focused on Himself, He kneels. He takes a towel and washes His disciples’ feet—feet marked by the dust of ordinary life. The One with all authority chooses the position of a servant. This is not weakness; it is love expressed through humility.
Scripture reminds us, “Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
Love That Chooses to Kneel
Jesus knew who He was and where He was going, yet He chose to serve. In God’s kingdom, greatness is measured not by status but by service: “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43).
Today, this kind of love may not look like washing feet—but it will look like listening instead of arguing, forgiving when it is hard, and showing up for someone who feels alone. It is a love that steps down, not to diminish itself, but to lift another.
Love That First Receives
Peter resisted: “Lord, you will never wash my feet.” His resistance reflects our own struggle. To be served is to admit our need. It humbles us and challenges our desire for control.
Yet Jesus insists: “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Before we can offer this kind of love, we must first receive it. At the cross, Christ fully serves us—cleansing and restoring us by grace: “By grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works” (Ephesians 2:8–9). We kneel because Christ first knelt for us.
Love That Becomes Our Witness
Jesus commands, “Love one another as I have loved you.” This love is not based on convenience but on sacrifice and consistency. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Love becomes our witness—and it begins at home, in daily acts of patience, care, and forgiveness. It is seen in the quiet, often unnoticed ways we choose humility over pride and service over self.
This week, consider where you are being invited to kneel—to let go of pride and love in ways that make Christ visible.
We would value hearing your reflection: Where do you find it most difficult to “kneel” in love—at home, at work, or in your relationships?
