Marriage Devotional: Serving One Another Like Jesus
A marriage devotional on serving one another.
It's easy to keep a quiet scorecard in marriage. I did the dishes. I handled bedtime. I made the last three dinners. But Jesus shows a different way, one that turns the scorecard upside down.
Today's Scripture
John 13:14–15: "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."
Galatians 5:13: "...by love serve one another."
Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
The towel and the basin
On the night before the cross, the King of kings knelt and washed dusty feet. No one asked Him to. No one deserved it. He did it to show what love looks like.
Marriage gives us daily chances to pick up the towel. Most of them aren't glamorous. That's the point.
Ways to "wash feet" at home
- Take over a chore your spouse dreads, without announcing it
- Let them rest while you handle the kids
- Make their coffee the way they like it
- Run the errand they've been putting off
- Listen fully when you'd rather be scrolling
- Pray for them before they ask
When serving feels one-sided
Sometimes it feels like you're the only one serving. Bring that to God honestly, and talk with your spouse gently about it. But remember: Jesus washed Judas's feet too. Our service is ultimately to Him (Colossians 3:23–24), and He sees every act.
Reflect
- Where have I been keeping score?
- What is one hidden act of service I can do this week?
Today's prayer
Jesus, You knelt to serve. Give me a servant's heart toward my spouse. Take away my scorecard and replace it with joy in serving. Let our home be a place where we race to love each other. Amen.
More in our Christian Marriage blog.
