Service Saves

 My cherished brothers and sisters,

Today I want to set sail on the adventurous waters the significance acts of service have – how they weave the fabric of our community, strengthen our bonds with loved ones, and extend a helping hand to those in need. I invite you to immerse yourself with me in the living, breathing word of God, seeking guidance and inspiration as we explore the practical aspects of daily service.

Let’s begin with Galatians 5:13. Where the apostle Paul implores, “You, my brothers, and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedoms to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” In our daily lives, this could mean choosing to lend a listening ear to a neighbor, extending a helping hand to someone burdened, or simply embodying humility in our interactions.

Consider Philippians 2:4, which encourages us to “look not only to your own interests but also the interests of others.” In daily living, our acts of service may manifest themselves in small, intentional gestures like a neighborly check-in, sharing a meal, or assisting with practical needs of those around us.

I like to reflect on 1 Peter 4:10 within the sanctuary of family life which reminds us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Daily acts of service within our families might seem trite but are vital in keeping a strong foundation. Family acts of service within the family structure can include the gift of time – playing with children, supporting a loved one in their endeavors, or shouldering responsibilities collectively.

Ephesians 6:7 commands us to “serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.” This implies that our services are not just a routine but a direct expression of our devotion to God. Serving wholeheartedly could mean we tackle tasks with kindness, enthusiasm, and a genuine hope to make a positive impact.

If we take a peek at what the profit Isaiah has to say in 58:10, he says, “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” If we honor these words, then in our day to day lives, this could involve contributing to local food drives, volunteering at shelters, or advocating for justice on behalf of those without a voice.

Jesus encourages us in the Gospel of Matthew 5:16, “In the same way let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” I pray that we let our lights shine like a beacon that inspires others to join in and ultimately glorify God.

In closing, let us go on with an attitude of gratitude and remember that we’re all just walking each other home. May our acts of service be like a delicious soup mixed with ingredients consisting of love, compassion, and humility. Let us recognize the myriad of opportunities in our daily interactions to emulate Jesus Christ of Nazareth’s examples and be vessels of His grace. Through these small yet impactful acts, may our lives reflect the healing power of service and bring glory to the One who calls us to serve. Amen.