The Joy of Serving Others

The Joy of Serving Others

  I’ve noticed lately that there are two basic kinds of people in our world . . . those who serve others and those who sit back and wait to be served. Which group do YOU fall into?

If you’re a Christ-follower, you know that serving others is important. I’ve often said, “Serving, for the Christian, is not an option. It’s an expectation.” What, if anything, do we get out of serving? When we serve others, not only are we doing good for others, but we’re also doing something that brings us joy. Serving can be part of a powerful spiritual journey, bringing us closer to God and deepening our faith.

At the heart of Christianity is the idea of service. Jesus taught us that when we serve others, we’re serving Him. The Bible is full of passages that encourage us to serve. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Similarly, in Galatians 5:13, Paul urged us to “serve one another humbly in love.”

Service is more than just a way to help others. It’s a way to connect with God. When we serve, we can be praying. Serving isn’t just a physical expression of our faith, it’s a spiritual expression of our faith, and it increases our understanding of God’s love and grace. As we serve others, we become more aware of our role in God’s plan.

When we serve others, we’re fulfilling a divine purpose. When we serve, we’re providing a source of joy and hope to those around us. By serving others, we’re bringing light and love into their lives. As we serve, we’re reminded of the importance of compassion and kindness.

Serving also allows us to take our eyes off of ourselves and focus on others. It’s easy to get caught up in our own worries and problems, but when we serve, we can find joy in helping someone else. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Serving also has its own rewards. When we serve, we’re not only helping others, we’re also helping ourselves. Serving can be a source of joy and satisfaction when we see the tangible results of our service. Serving others can be a rewarding experience when we get a sense of accomplishment. Serving can also be a way to practice humility and to become more compassionate and generous. In serving, we can gain a deeper appreciation for our own blessings, and we can be reminded of the importance of gratitude and thankfulness.

Finally, serving can bring us closer to God. When we serve, we can’t help but be reminded of God’s selfless love and generous grace. We can recall that humility, compassion, and generosity were and are part of Jesus’ character. Serving is a powerful act of devotion, a way to express our love for God and our gratitude for His mercy and grace. By serving others, we can bring light and hope into the lives of others.

Why not take a “serving” inventory today? How are you serving others? Each month, I publish a list of areas where the people of the Mt. Laurel Church of God can serve. Sometimes I see people step up and jump into one of those areas. Sometimes I wonder if they even look at the list. What’s your “serving” inventory say about your willingness to serve others? I’d love to hear where you’re serving others!



Oh, one more thing . . . If you’re a regular attender or member of the Mt. Laurel Church of God, consider reading John 13:1-17 and John 19:17-18 to get ready to hear God’s message through Pastor Dale as we celebrate Feetwashing and Communion this coming Sunday, January 26, 2025

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.