“And Jonathan, Saul's son, arose and went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God. Thus he said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also.’” (1 Samuel 23:16-17)Love delights in encouraging and participating in the success of others. By linage, Jonathan was the heir apparent to the throne of Israel. By right, the kingdom belonged to Jonathan, but by the promise of God, it belonged to David. Jonathan could have become angry, jealous, and suspicious of David, he could have demanded his right as a descendent of Saul, but instead he chose to accept God’s plan for Israel. Jonathan was so at peace with God’s plan for his life (and for David’s life) that he was able to encourage David that one day he would be king. Instead of grasping for the top prize, Jonathan was content to be David’s friend and to stand beside him as David enjoyed his own success. This is similar to the relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus. “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:29-30) John’s joy was to point others to Jesus and to see His ministry grow and His mission come to fruition.
Some people are so self-absorbed that they see only themselves. All their time and effort is spent on their own personal success. Their striving to succeed leaves little time for others. Love, however, is concerned with the life and success of others. Love gives of itself that others might succeed. As a husband, it is my responsibility to guide, mentor, and encourage my wife and children that they may grow in the things of God and find success in all that God has for them. In the church, as a leader it is my responsibility to sometimes take a seat and let others minister in God that they may learn and grow into their own calling and ministry. Love lets others be first and rejoices in their success.
“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.” (John 13:3-5)Jesus, more than anyone else, had the right to demand first place. It was the custom in those days for the household slave to wash the feet of those who entered the house. This was considered to be a menial task, a task fit only for a servant, yet it was a task that Jesus chose for Himself. When no one else was found to wash their feet, Jesus humbled Himself and washed the feet of His disciples. In doing this, Jesus left us an example, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” (John 13:12-15) Love understands that “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) Love does not demand to be given to but gladly accepts the opportunity to give to others. We all have needs, but how much more blessed is it to be able to give to meet the needs of others? Love motivates us in our relationships to lay aside what we need and want that we may find ways to give what the other person needs and wants. When we love in this way we will be showing love to others in a way they can understand and experience.
More to come… David Robison
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