S - Serve in love (Part 5)

We have discussed how we, as followers of Jesus, are called to live a life that blesses others. 

B - Begin with Prayer
L - Listen with Care
E - Eat Together
S - Serve in Love  
S - 

The fourth letter in BLESS reveals that we are called to SERVE others as Jesus has served us. Yes, that is an incredibly big statement. Why? Because Jesus sacrificed everything to serve us! Consider Matthew 20:26-28.

"It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Greatness in God's economy is not defined by how many people serve us; instead, it is determined by how well we serve others, "EVEN AS THE SON OF MAN." What if, found amid this sacrificial service, the abundant life is experienced for both the one serving and the one being served?

When we serve others, we are honoring the example of Jesus. But we are also living out the purpose we have been given. An eternal purpose lived is an extremely satisfying life. Jesus has uniquely gifted you so you can serve others as no one else can.  

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:" 1 Peter 4:10 

Saint Francis of Assis has been credited with saying, "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." Please take a moment and consider this saying with me. The gospel, the invitation of God to join His family through the sacrifice of Jesus, is declared not only in the words we speak but in the actions we live. Random acts of kindness, acts of service, and simple acts of love put on display the hope of Jesus Christ. Words without action are proven impotent and ineffective. But words backed with a life of action reveal a profound truth, eternal hope, and someone we can truly trust with all of my life, Jesus Christ.  

Yet again, I want to remind each of us that because of Jesus, YOU MATTER. When we are willing to surrender our agenda, our days, our schedules, and place them in the hands of Jesus, he can use our simple acts of kindness to transform eternity for others. He can use my acts of service to capture the heart of another and reveal his powerful love.  

Service doesn't have to be ornate or elaborate. It can be as simple as checking a neighbors mail while they are out of town, shoveling a driveway, baking a plate of cookies, babysitting, or chipping in on a project at work. The point is noticing the people around and being aware of how you may bless them through service.  

Who in your life is God asking you to "Preach the gospel to and sometimes use words?" Let us know HERE so we can pray with you!