What practical ways can we "wash the feet of the saints" today? Rooted in the Text “...well attested for good works: if she has brought up children, practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, helped the afflicted, and devoted herself to every good work.” (1 Timothy 5:10) What Foot-Washing Communicated in the Early Church • A humble readiness to meet a brother or sister’s most basic needs • Personal involvement—touching dusty, tired feet, not outsourcing the task • Fellowship that erased status lines; everyone, servant or master, needed cleansing John 13:14-15 shows Jesus modeling this spirit: “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example, that you should do as I have done for you.” Everyday Expressions of Foot-Washing • Share meals: invite believers of every age or background to your table; Romans 12:13 “pursue hospitality.” • Provide transportation: offer rides to church, appointments, or groceries for those unable to drive. • House maintenance: mow a widow’s lawn, fix a leaky faucet, change furnace filters. • Child care relief: step in so weary parents can rest or attend a Bible study. • Practical gifting: quietly cover a utility bill or slip a grocery card into a brother’s hand; 1 John 3:18 “let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.” • Hospital or rehab visits: sit, listen, read Scripture aloud, pray over them. • Laundry ministry: wash bedding or clothing for someone recovering from surgery. • Meal trains: prepare and deliver nutritious food after childbirth, illness, or bereavement. • Tech help: set up a phone, troubleshoot a laptop for an older saint, protecting them from scams. • Safe rides home: walk college students to their dorm or stay late until everyone has a lift. Foot-Washing Within Church Gatherings • Arrive early, stay late: stack chairs, run sound, sanitize nursery toys. • Greeters who notice: escort a mom juggling toddlers, guide newcomers to seating. • Communion preparation: fill cups, wash trays, fold linens afterward. • Prayer chain follow-through: not just saying “I’ll pray,” but calling later to share Scripture and encouragement. Hebrews 6:10 “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name by serving the saints.” Foot-Washing Beyond the Building • Foster care and adoption support: bring diapers, meals, respite nights. • Job-search coaching: review résumés, practice interviews, share contacts. • Crisis accommodation: open a guest room to a believer escaping abuse. • Language tutoring for immigrant believers: help with English or citizenship forms. • Legal or medical advocacy: attend appointments, ensure they understand instructions. Galatians 6:10 “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the household of faith.” Guarding the Heart Behind the Service • Serve quietly—Matthew 6:3: “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” • Keep Christ central—Colossians 3:23-24: do it “for the Lord, not for men.” • Maintain purity—1 Timothy 5:22: avoid situations that could appear improper. • Persevere—2 Thessalonians 3:13: “do not grow weary in doing good.” Stepping Forward Today The call remains hands-on, tangible, personal. Washing the saints’ feet is any humble act that refreshes fellow believers and exalts Christ. Look around, notice a need, and move toward it with a basin-and-towel spirit that still speaks loudly in our world. |
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