Why do you do the things you do for others? Do you do so because you think God is keeping score? Or maybe you are? Or do you do what you do out of devotion?

This morning I stumbled upon a beautiful picture of love and devotion. It was a video of a husband and wife who clearly love one another. The wife enjoyed demonstrating her love for her husband in the simple tasks of life: making his favorite omelet or making sure his clothes are crisp and clean. Her world came tumbling down when she learned she was going blind. What he did for her in turn will move you to tears. You can view the video here. Warning, you’ll need tissues.

Loving people who love us in return is beautiful, but expected. What about the people you encounter that you don’t necessarily love? What about people at work? A difficult client? The pesky neighbor who always parks their car at the end of your driveway? What about the rude sales clerk or pitiful waiter?

It’s easy to love those who love you, to love those who give you something in return; but how do you deal with those who will give you nothing in return?

In Matthew 7:12 Jesus said,

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Many have grown up knowing this as the Golden Rule. We aren’t called to serve others because they are worthy of our service.

We are called to serve others because He is worthy of our obedience.

After all, He committed the greatest act of love and service to others when He peeled back heaven and stepped to earth to die for our sins [John 3:16]. He didn’t wait for us to get our act together for Him to act. He did so before we were lovable. He loved us first [Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:19].

Oswald Chambers put it this way,

When we realize that Jesus Christ has served us to the end of our meanness, our selfishness, and sin, nothing that we meet with from others can exhaust our determination to serve men for His sake.”

Trust me when I tell you, there are days when one of the Hopes I serve pushes me to the point of looking to heaven and asking,

Really?”

But I know I don’t do what I do for her, well, not only for her. The driving force, the reason I start over and over again when necessary is for the One who did the same and more for me. He deserves my obedience. He deserves my sacrifice. He deserves all that I am and all that I have. After all, I’m sure I’ve given Him just cause to look at the Father and ask,

Really?”

I’m so thankful He doesn’t. I’m so thankful He loves me, warts and all.

So, how do you love? Completely? Because of Jesus?