“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” [Romans 12:16 NIV]
“Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.” [NKJV]
Harmony and humility. We are to have the same mind, to live in harmony with each other. Paul wrote in Philippians 2:1-4, “…make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others.”
Love bends the knee. On the eve of His death, Jesus bent down and washed the feet of His disciples. This task was an especially dirty one, usually reserved for the slave of lowest position in the households. Yet Jesus, their teacher, their master, their Lord, the one about whom they would soon proclaim “My Lord and My God!” performed this lowliest of tasks for them. [John 13:1-17]
He asked them, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” And then He gave them this command, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
Love bends the knee. It bows down to the lowest rank, to the most common of all. It stoops to the meanest of tasks.
In thought and deed, in attitude and action, love bends the knee.