Agape Love and a Servant’s Heart!

Related Scripture:

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” – John 13:14

I can only imagine what it would have been like for the disciples to experience this intense event. Their Lord and Savior, the one whom they look up to and even revere, is on his hands and knees washing their feet.  Jesus completely redefines leadership for these disciples with a basin and towel. Delivering the highest form of love: Agape love. Unlike other Greek words for love such as philia (deep friendship) or eros (romantic passion) - agape represents the highest form of charity and goodwill. It is characterized by its ethical nature, focusing on patience, kindness, and empathy while wholeheartedly putting the needs and well-being of others first. This type of love does not come naturally to us. We have to call upon the Lord and actively seek him to remind us what it is to love and serve others sacrificially.

I have been a high school teacher for the past 20 years. High School students cannot be fooled; they know the teachers who genuinely care about them and look to teaching as servant leadership. Those teachers who have a servant's heart are some of the most powerful educators in the building. Students want to be around those teachers and genuinely respect them. When I first got into teaching, I was going to show those young kids who was boss in the classroom. My first principal came up to me my first year and said that if there was a leaderboard for office referrals, I would be leading it. I took it as a badge of honor at the time, but as I have gotten older and have experienced the true love of Jesus Christ, I have come to understand the true power of agape love. Don’t get me wrong; I still hold my students accountable to the highest standard, but Love is behind that standard, and my prayer is that students see that in me by how I conduct myself in the classroom as a representative of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The 2026 season is right around the corner. In this intense game, it is easy to get caught up in the intensity and officiate with a heightened level of intensity, led by the emotions of players, coaches, and fans. Getting screamed at by coaches and fans is never fun, and it does wear on you. But one thing that can help carry us is the true love of Jesus Christ. The world's standards are harsh and critical; perfection is now a demand instead of officials understanding human error as just part of the game. As Jesus spoke in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Do what you do because Jesus loves you.

Questions to Ponder:

Why do I officiate?

Who do I officiate for?

How can I show agape love to players, coaches, and fans regardless of the situation?

Jeff Comer - Kansas State High School Activities Association Official - Buhler, KS