By Katy Mariotti
An Act of Love
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”
Phillippians 2:4-7, English Standard Version
“Watch out,” my husband said, “there’s a cat about to jump on your head.” When I looked up I saw this mischievous face staring back down at me. She wouldn’t really jump on me from such a height, but when she gets that crazy look in her eye it’s good to be wary. I recall a time when she was a kitten and she thought my braid was a toy, so she launched herself at my back and dug her claws in. Not my favorite moment!
Even though my husband was joking, he was also protecting me. Protection is an act of love. It’s a word that has been coming up a lot for me lately; I’ve seen it in news stories, in a documentary, and even situations with people I know. Specifically, people who should have been protected but weren’t.
It’s easy to protect our loved ones, and we often do it without thinking. Especially those of us who are parents! But as usual, as Christians we have a higher calling: to love our neighbors as ourselves, and even love our enemies! How can we protect those for whom it doesn’t come automatically? I don’t have a perfect answer, but I know we can follow the example of Jesus, who took the form of a servant, who put humanity before himself, and who kept a special eye out for the most vulnerable.
My prayer today is to be protected, and to have the courage and awareness to protect those who need it!
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
