Living from the Father's Love

This year Jack and I planted an apple tree. From what I have learned from the experts, they can be a bit more challenging to grow. Between the pests and learning how to prune so they produce more fruit, I'm hoping for the best. When we brought it home, there was a little apple that had already began to grow and I was excited, but then learned that I needed to prune those early ones because they're not drawing from being rooted to the source of water yet. They are draining the energy from within the plant to it's detriment. The roots need to be established deep to the source to produce real and lasting fruit. I would have to be patient. But ultimately, that little tree doesn't have to prove it can produce fruit, it just needs to keep driving its roots down to the Source of life.

Have you ever noticed how much energy we spend trying to prove ourselves?

We want to be enough. We want to be appreciated. We want to know that our work matters, that our gifts are seen, and that our lives have purpose. Often, without realizing it, we spend our days trying to establish ourselves.

This week, one sentence in John's Gospel stopped me in my tracks:

"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, wrapped a towel around his waist, and began to wash his disciples' feet." (John 13:3–5)

That little word "so" changes everything.

Because Jesus knew who He was...Because He knew where He came from...Because He knew where He was going...

He was free to serve.

He didn't wash feet to earn the Father's love. He washed feet because He already had it.

What a contrast to the stories we read in Numbers. Korah fought for recognition because he wasn't content with the place God had given him. Balaam wrestled between God's calling and the promises of earthly reward. So much of their struggle came from trying to establish themselves instead of resting in God's purposes.

How often do we do the same?

When we're insecure, we compare ourselves to others. We become defensive. We hold tightly to our time, our resources, and our reputation.

But when we know we belong to the Father, something beautiful happens.

We can give generously.

We can forgive freely.

We can celebrate someone else's success.

We can step into difficult places without fear.

We can pour ourselves out because we know we will never run out of the love that fills us.

When we root ourselves deeply in the Father's love for us, our lives, just like the apple tree will bear fruit naturally.

The miracles of Jesus this week all flow from that same confidence. He blesses the little lunch because He trusts His Father's provision. He walks through the storm because His peace isn't determined by the waves. He kneels with a towel because true greatness is found in love.

The invitation for us isn't simply to imitate Jesus' actions.

It's to receive the same identity.

In Christ, you are already deeply loved.

Already welcomed.

Already chosen.

Already secure.

Perhaps the greatest act of faith this week is simply believing what the Father already says about you.

When we stop striving to establish ourselves, we're finally free to establish His Kingdom. We are free to bear fruit, we are free to serve!

Free to Serve with you,

Pastor T

Spiritual Practice: The Towel Prayer

Each morning this week, hold a small hand towel or washcloth in your hands before you begin your day.

Pray slowly:

Father,I have come from You.I belong to You.I am returning to You.Help me live today from Your love instead of striving for approval.Show me one person I can serve with joy.Let my life reflect the humility and confidence of Jesus.Amen.

Then ask yourself:

"Who needs to experience God's love through me today?"

Look for one simple act of unnoticed kindness—a listening ear, an encouraging note, helping without being asked, offering forgiveness, or serving without expecting recognition.

In the evening, practice a brief Examen:

• When did I live from the Father's love today?

• When did I find myself striving to prove myself?

• Where did I experience joy in serving?

• What is God inviting me into tomorrow?

Discussion Questions

Reflect

1. Which part of John 13:1–5 speaks most deeply to you this week?

2. Where do you find yourself trying to "prove" your worth?

3. Why do you think John tells us what Jesus knew before describing what Jesus did?

Grow

1. What does it mean to live from God's approval instead of trying to earn it?

2. How does knowing where Jesus came from and where He was going shape His actions?

3. In what ways can insecurity keep us from serving others?

Live It

1. Who has modeled joyful, humble service in your life?

2. What is one practical way you can "pick up the towel" this week?

3. How might Eden become a stronger witness if every one of us served from confidence in God's love instead of a need for recognition?