“Peter said to him, ‘You shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered him, ‘If I do not wash you, you have no share with me’” (John 13:1-8, ESV).

     We people are funny creatures. There are moments when we welcome the assistance of others and there are occasions when we refuse any help.

     I recall an instance in which a wheelchair-bound woman declined an offer from her neighbors to build a ramp into her home. I remember her words distinctly: “I never accept
charity.”

     This incident led me to ponder. I wonder if our “nevers” impede our capacity to receive God’s grace. John’s story of the incident prior to the institution of what we call Holy Communion, Peter almost missed the chance of a lifetime to be loved on by Jesus. In some circles today, Peter
might be applauded for taking care of himself. Yet, in this particular instance it appears that Peter’s lack of humility was at work more than his sense of personal responsibility. Sometimes our “nevers” are really nothing other than shrouded excuses to cover up our pride.

     I cringe when I think of all the instances in which God has offered me a gift of grace, but I was just too full of myself to accept it. My personal “nevers” too often thwart God’s attempt to bless me.

So, today my prayer is that God might humble me enough to accept even a cup of coffee from a friend or an offer for help from a neighbor, even if I fear there may be strings attached. Who knows, those strings may just be connected to even more blessings God has in mind to offer.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, wash me of all undetected pride that masquerades itself as personal responsibility. Open the eyes of my heart to the blessings you wish to shower upon me. Grant me the humility to accept the help you are offering today and every day. Through Christ I pray. Amen.