True faith does not stay within the walls of the church. It is seen in how we treat the people around us, especially those in need. Jesus lived a life of service and called His disciples to do the same.
Jesus, the model of service
Although He was the Son of God, Jesus did not come to be served: “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). He healed the sick, fed hungry crowds and washed His disciples’ feet, a task usually left to servants.
When we serve others, we are not doing anything extraordinary; we are simply following the example of the One who served us first.
What we do for the least, we do for Jesus
In one of His parables, Jesus describes the final judgement and says people will be surprised to learn that they served Him without knowing it: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40). A meal shared, a visit to someone who is ill or a kind word to a stranger become acts of worship.
This changes the way we see people. In every person who needs help we can see the face of Jesus.
The joy of giving
The apostle Paul reminded believers of Jesus’ words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35). Generosity frees us from selfishness and fills life with meaning. In the community, helping one another becomes a way of life: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2).
You do not need great resources to serve. Time, attention and an available heart are often the most valuable gifts we can give.
For reflection
Who around you needs help this week? Think of one concrete act, a phone call, a visit or a meal, and do it with joy. If you would like to get involved in our church’s service projects, write to us.
Bible verses are quoted from the King James Version.