Gita Hutabarat is the Finance Director at Yasera, a local Christian NGO in Indonesia. Tearfund has partnered with Yasera in Papua since 2017.
Image by Tace Stevens
Jesus sets a profound example of love and service for us in John 13, when he washes his disciples' feet. His action was more than just a gesture of kindness; it was a powerful act of service, demonstrating the depth of his love and humility. Jesus taught us that true leadership is rooted in servanthood.
We may not wash each other's feet in the same way today, but the principle remains vital. Serving others goes beyond mere niceness; it involves a wholehearted commitment to the well-being of all people. For leaders, these verses are particularly challenging as they call us to love those we lead, rather than seeking power over them.
What motivates you to serve? Is it the love of God you have received, or merely personal satisfaction and agendas? I often find myself measuring achievement solely by numbers. When these numbers don't meet expectations, I tend to respond with emotions and worries, forgetting to act with love—toward myself and others.
Love helps us to hope all things and believe all things, even when results or circumstances don't meet our expectations. Love bears all things and endures all things, allowing us to rely on Him and exalt Him, no matter how many things are beyond our control. Serving people with love means trusting that God is in control, even if we don't witness every phase of their journey ourselves. Recognising that he loves us as we are, completely and unconditionally, shapes us to see and love others as he does. His love transforms us, enabling us to love others, no matter the cost.
Think of an experience of your own life when you were served, where love was at the heart of that service. What difference did it make to your experience?
How does the love of God motivate you to serve? What other factors tend to drive your service (e.g. personal satisfaction, certain results, approval of others), and how can you keep them in healthy balance?
How does the scene in John 13, where Jesus washes his disciples’ feet, help you understand love? While foot washing may be an unfamiliar practice to many of us today, how can this example shape our current day discipleship?
Read an interview with Abraham Alembo, who leads one of Tearfund’s Christian partners in Ethiopia. Where do you love transforming the way that Abraham and his team serve communities in the midst of crisis?
Father, give me courage to keep on loving when others keep on hurting; help me live and achy love, a gritty, persistent and emptying love; a love that's not afraid to flow toward the other who has little left to offer in return. And may I tread faithfully with heaven through the unfinished work that is surrounding me.
– Strahan Coleman, from Prayer Vol. 01
Consider how you and/or your group could serve neighbours near and far by taking action in partnership with Tearfund this Lent:
