John 13 - The Life Recovery Bible

13:1-7 The Son of God came not as a proud master who demanded service from others but as a humble servant who delighted in helping others. In stooping down to do the most menial job (washing his disciples’ feet), Jesus showed them that true leaders serve their followers. To follow Jesus’ example and serve others, we start by allowing him to serve us. As we experience his cleansing power in our life, we can serve others—sharing our story, listening to their confessions, feeling their pain, and standing by them in the tough times. As we support others in the recovery process, we will be strengthened as we continue toward recovery.

13:20 One way God speaks to us is through his chosen messengers. We may experience God’s love and healing through the godly people he sends into our life. This may be very difficult for us if we have been a victim of abuse. We may feel that we never want to be close to other people. But as we allow godly people into our life, we learn that they bring the healing touch of Jesus with them. As we reach out to others in Jesus’ name, we in turn become his messenger. God will use us to bring his powerful deliverance into others’ lives.

13:34-35 Our ability to love others (and ourself) is based on the degree to which we have received God’s love (most often through other people). When we try to love others without God’s love, we try to give what we don’t have; we end up giving to others in hopes of receiving something in return. This kind of selfish gift never feels good to us or to the person we are trying to help. When we love one another out of the overflow of God’s love, our witness and service can be effective toward recovery.