Thanks for coming back to Girls to Grow today! I’m enjoying getting to touch base with you each day this week as we talk about some of the basic fundamental practices of our Christian faith.
I probably should have said this earlier on in our series, but please don’t think that doing the things we’ve talked about – reading your Bible, praying, being grateful – get you into Heaven or earn you more of God’s love or favor. God’s love for us is constant, and our only way to Heaven is through trusting Jesus’ work of redemption on the cross. However, if we want to grow in our faith and seek to become more like Christ, these are practical ways we can do that.
Today we’re going to look at five reasons why we should serve other people. They could be family or friends, coworkers or neighbors, or complete strangers.
1. To follow Christ’s example.
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” ~John 13:14-15
One of the last things Jesus did for His disciples before going to the cross was an act of service. He even washed the feet of Judas Iscariot who would betray Him. As we find ways to serve others, we’re following the example Jesus set for us.
2. To obey God’s command.
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” ~Galatians 5:13
We know that God tells us to love one another – it’s the second greatest commandment (Mark 12:31). Loving others will naturally flow into serving them as we seek to meet their needs.
3. Because serving others brings joy.
I hope you’ve already learned this one by experience. Just as Jesus said it’s more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35), so we get more joy from serving than from being served.
4. To show others the love of God.
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” ~John 13:35
As we love and serve others, people will see the love of God reflected in us.
5. To humble ourselves.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” ~Philippians 2:3
Jesus was willing to humble Himself, to become a servant, made in our likeness, so that He might save us from our sin (Philippians 2:7-8). Serving others reminds us that we are all created and equally loved by God.
Have you had an opportunity to serve someone lately? May we all look for ways that we can meet the needs of the people around us.
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These points and verses are the incentive, the shove, I need to be more joyful when I serve my family. 🙂
I know we’ve talked about this before, but it’s sometimes so easy to overlook how we can serve those closest to us – our family members. And how much better, as you say, if we can do it joyfully!!
I certainly don’t always practice this, but I know 100% that it is true: when you are going through something rough, get your mind off yourself by serving someone else! I know it is the best way to feel better!
I know it, too, – sometimes I need the nudging of the Holy Spirit to remind me to notice the needs around me!