Daily Worship (July 27)

John 13:12–15 (NIV)
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

Devotional Thought
Jesus is the greatest friend the world has ever known. And yet, on the night before He died, He did something unexpected—He got down on His knees and washed His disciples’ dirty feet. This was something only a servant was supposed to do. But Jesus showed us that real friendship means serving one another, even when it’s hard or lowly.

In the sermon, we saw how Simon the Pharisee didn’t even offer Jesus water for His feet, but the sinful woman did much more. She humbled herself in love. Jesus praised her, not because she was perfect, but because she showed what true friendship looks like—service from the heart.

When you serve a friend, you’re saying, “You matter more than my comfort.” Jesus calls us to love others this way—not with words only, but with actions. Whether it’s helping a friend who’s hurting, being honest with someone you love, or simply being there when they need you, that’s what real service looks like. And when we realize how Jesus served us first, even by dying for us, our hearts are filled with gratitude and strength to serve others.

COMMA Questions

• Context: What was happening before and after Jesus washed the disciples’ feet?
• Observation: What surprising actions did Jesus take in this passage?
• Meaning: What does Jesus mean by saying, “I have set you an example”?
• Main idea: What does this passage teach us about friendship and service?
• Application: How can you show humble, Christlike service to a friend this week?

Prayer
Jesus, thank You for serving me even when I didn’t deserve it. Help me follow Your example. Teach me how to love my friends by showing up and doing the hard things. Give me a heart that wants to serve, not just be seen. Amen.

Romans 12:9–10 (NIV)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Devotional Thought
Real friendship isn’t fake. It’s not about pretending to care so you can get something in return. That’s what Simon the Pharisee did. He invited Jesus to dinner but didn’t really care about Him. His actions were cold, even rude. But the sinful woman poured out her love on Jesus—kissing His feet, crying, wiping His feet with her hair, and giving a costly gift. Her love was real and heartfelt.

Romans 12 tells us that love must be sincere—true, not fake. Paul says we should be devoted to one another in love. That means sticking close, showing warmth, and putting others first. Affection isn’t always about hugs and kisses (though it can be!). It’s about caring from the heart and letting others feel it in how we speak and act.

In our world, many friendships are shallow. But Christian friendship should be different. Because we’ve been loved by Jesus, we can offer others real, tenderhearted love—not to get something, but to give. When we honor others above ourselves, we reflect the love that Jesus has for us.

COMMA Questions

• Context: What does Romans 12 say about love and how it should be shown?
• Observation: What phrases show us the kind of affection Christians should have for each other?
• Meaning: What does “honor one another above yourselves” mean in your own words?
• Main idea: What does this passage teach us about friendship and affection?
• How can you be more sincere and devoted in your friendships this week?

Prayer
God, thank you for loving me with sincere and deep affection. Help me to love others from the heart. Teach me to honor my friends and not just think about myself. Help me enjoy being with people—not to get something, but to give your love. Amen.

1 John 3:16–18 (NIV)
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Devotional Thought
Real love costs something. It’s not just nice words or empty promises. It shows up in real life and makes real sacrifices. That’s what 1 John 3 teaches us. We know what love is because Jesus gave His life for us. He gave up everything—not because we earned it, but because He loved us.

In Luke 7, the woman poured out her perfume on Jesus’ feet. That perfume was expensive, but her love was greater than the cost. She sacrificed what she had to honor her Savior. That’s what real friendship looks like—giving, not because we must, but because we love.

God calls us to love like Jesus. You may not be called to die for your friends, but you can give your time, your attention, your energy, and your resources. Sacrificial friendship says, “Your good matters to me, even if it costs me something.” That kind of love comes from knowing we’ve already been given everything in Jesus.

COMMA Questions

• Context: How does the book of 1 John help us understand real love?
• Observation: What did Jesus do to show us what love is?
• Meaning: What does it mean to love “with actions and in truth”?
• Main idea: What does this passage teach about sacrifice in friendship?
• Application: What’s one thing you can give up or give away this week to bless someone else?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for laying down Your life for me. You gave everything to save me. Help me to love like You do—with actions, not just words. Make me willing to give up comfort, time, or pride for the good of others. Thank You for being the perfect friend. Amen.