Scripture
John 19:26-27
“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, He said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
Observation
Even in the middle of extreme agony, in the middle of fulfilling his ultimate purpose on earth, Jesus was looking out for the good of his family, and those he loved. As he hung on the cross and honored his Father, he still fulfilled the commandment to honor his mother.
Application
It can be easy to become self-focused, even in the middle of serving God and doing the things He wants me to do. When I am hurting, my pain is usually the only thing I care about. Christ has called me to love my family with a love that is outward-focused, instead of self-focused. The true test of my love is not what I do when others are hurting–but rather my response when I am hurting. This week, I need to love my family with a Christlike love that remains strong even when I would rather just focus on me.
Prayer
God, thank you for loving me! Thank you for this example of how to love my family well, instead of becoming consumed by all of the other things that can seem so much more urgent. Help me not to become self-absorbed and inwardly focused, even when I am navigating seasons of pain.
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