LOVING THROUGH SERVING
“If you come upon your enemy’s ox or donkey that has strayed away, take it back to its owner. If you see that the donkey of someone who hates you has collapsed under its load, do not walk by. Instead, stop and help.”
Exodus 23:4-5 (NLT)
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:13 (NLT)
When I was in seminary, one of our course requirements was to do a service project in the community. We could volunteer to work with kids in an afterschool program, visit people who were sick in the hospital, or spend time with elderly folks in nursing homes. There was a long list of options, but quite honestly, I didn’t want to do any of them. The requirement felt a bit forced. I had studying to do, and this sort of thing just didn’t fit into my schedule. The seminary meant well; looking back, I see why that was part of the program.
By the time I chose a project the only thing left on the list was to visit a women’s shelter. So, I went. I’ll never forget that experience. As I walked into the room, I was overcome with emotion. I saw the faces of the hurting women and welled up with tears and a love and compassion I’d never felt. I could only imagine what they’d been through. In place of the inconvenience and apathy I’d been feeling, my heart was broken. And when several of the children ran up to me and wrapped their arms around my legs, my heart melted.
Sometimes, we have a deep love for serving others, and that's beautiful. But other times, we don't have that love, and we simply need to take a step and allow God to move us into the expression of love He designed us for, the love He’s had for us all along.
APPLICATION: If God has given you a heart to serve, thank Him for the privilege it is to join Him caring for others. If you’ve not been moved to serve others in a while, ask God to renew your heart and consider ways to serve.
PRAYER: Father, I don’t always feel like serving others. Sometimes it’s just too much. Reveal someone You’ve put in my path, and give me a heart to serve. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?