The Joy and Impact of Serving Others
Let’s talk about something that’s at the heart of our christian walk, serving others. Whether it’s making sandwiches for the homeless, singing hymns at a nursing home, or showing up to clean after a potluck (bless those who clean the kitchen!), serving others is a big deal. It’s not just good for those we serve, it’s life-changing for us, too.
Why Serve?
Sometimes serving can feel inconvenient. Saturdays are sacred, and those pews don’t clean themselves, right? But serving is more than checking a box on the to-do list. It’s about love.
In Galatians 5:13, Paul writes:
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
We serve because Christ first served us (Matthew 20:28). When we roll up our sleeves, we mirror God’s love to a world that desperately needs it.
The Impact on Others
Serving can meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Think about Jesus feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1–14). Those people were hungry, and Jesus didn’t just preach; He fed them.
Your service might look like filling backpacks with school supplies, praying with someone who’s hurting, or just showing up to visit a lonely neighbor. These small acts of kindness make a big ripple. They tell people, “You matter. You are loved.” And let’s not forget, our actions can point others toward Christ, the ultimate Servant.
The Impact on Us
When we serve, we get just as much, if not more out of it.
Jesus said in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Serving others keeps us grounded. It shifts our focus from “me” to “we.” It reminds us that life isn’t about accumulating stuff but about relationships and love. It humbles us, grows our empathy, and fills us with joy. Have you ever helped someone and walked away feeling worse? Probably not. That’s because serving others plugs us directly into God’s purpose for our lives.
In 1 Peter 4:10, we’re reminded: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
So, whether your gift is baking cookies or fixing broken things, use it!
Here’s the coolest part: when we serve others, we’re serving Jesus.
In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Serving others isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up with love. It’s messy, rewarding, exhausting, and joy-filled all at once. And it’s one of the most tangible ways we can reflect Christ’s light in this world. Let’s get out there and serve with joy!
Kelsey Wilbern, New Member Coordinator
