Service

What is service?

Service is the action of helping or doing work for someone else. Service is about reflecting God’s love towards others through our actions. The desire to serve others is born out of a heart of love and gratitude, it requires humility, strength, and love. It is not so much an act, but truly who we become once accepting and proclaiming Jesus as our savior. We become a servant of the Lord, and therefore we are not only to serve Him, but we are called to be of service to others, especially those in need.

Through service, we fulfill Jesus’ commandment to love one another (John 13:34). Whether we’re caring for a neighbor, serving in the church, or volunteering in our communities, every act of service becomes a tangible expression of God’s love.

Serving is a powerful way to live out our faith. It’s an invitation to step into the lives of others, to love them as Christ loves us, and to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Who should practice serving?

Jesus Christ embodied a life of service, continually reaching out to the poor, the marginalized, and the hurting. He is our perfect example of what service looks like.  

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45

Jesus makes it clear that serving is for all of his followers when he washed his disciples feet.  

“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” – John 13:15

Paul encourages believers to serve one another as an act of love.   

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13

Why do we need to serve?

• Obedience to God’s Word: The Bible repeatedly calls believers to serve others. Our service is an act of obedience and worship. Matthew 25:40 highlights Jesus’ words, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
• Gratitude for God’s grace: When we recognize the magnitude of God’s grace in our lives, serving others becomes a natural response of gratitude. 1 Peter 4:10 states, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace”
• Transformation through service: Serving others transforms our hearts, teaching us humility, empathy, and patience. It draws us closer to Christ, as we begin to see the world through His eyes. Romans 12:1 encourages believers to offer their bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” as an act of worship.
• Bringing glory to God: Serving allows us to experience the joy of being God’s hands and feet in a world that desperately needs His love. It deepens our faith, strengthens our relationships, and brings glory to God. Matthew 5:16 encourages us, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

How do I practice serving?

In Your Church:

• Volunteer on one of the serve teams.  
• Support our missions and outreach partnerships.
• Offer to join a meal train for someone in the church in need.

In Your Community:

• Help at food banks, shelters, or other nonprofit organizations. Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
• Offer your time to mentor youth or visit the elderly in nursing homes. James 1:27 defines pure religion as looking after orphans and widows in their distress.

In Daily Life:

• Perform small acts of kindness.  
• Look for opportunities to serve your family, neighbors, and workplace. 
• Invite people into your home for a meal.