Luke 7:38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

Much has been taught about the cost of the ointment. It is taught in sermons on sacrifice of service. While I understand the point being made I cannot help but look to the tears. She obviously felt deeply for Christ, her love was applauded by Jesus Himself a few verses later.

Why is service so often linked to sacrifice? We give of our time, talents and money in service. Why is it important for some to look at it as sacrifice? In my heart I do not believe this woman gave one thought of the cost of the ointment as she wept for Jesus. In my heart I feel that He was the total focus of her affection, nothing else mattered.

We serve because there is a need. We serve because there is an opportunity. We serve because no one else has stepped up. When we do, do we call it sacrifice? Should we think of service in this way, or should we look to our hearts and examine the true motive.

I do not know much of any other religion. In what little I have heard, I cannot remember any of those followers ever mentioning the one thing Jesus said to us.

“If you love me….”