“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13 (NKJV)
Serving others is a key part living out our faith in action. Galatians 5:13 reminds us that we are called to use our freedom not for selfish gain but to serve one another in love. This service is not just about performing tasks; it’s about having a heart that is willing to put others before ourselves and to serve with joy and humility.
Consider how you can serve those around you—your family, friends, coworkers, or even strangers. Serving with a willing heart means looking for opportunities to help, encourage, and support others, even when it’s inconvenient or goes unnoticed. It’s about being the hands and feet of Jesus, reflecting His love through our actions.
The Hebrew concept of serving is primarily expressed through the word “Avodah” (עֲבוֹדָה). Avodah is the Hebrew word for “work,” “service,” or “worship.” In Exodus 8:1, God commands Moses to tell Pharaoh, “Let my people go, so that they may serve me” (וְיַעַבְדוּנִי). Here, Avodah is used to describe the Israelites’ service and worship of God.
Serving also requires us to lay aside our own desires and to consider the needs of others. It’s an opportunity to practice selflessness and to grow in character. When we serve with a willing heart, we become more like Yeshua (Jesus), who came not to be served but to serve.
Yeshua (Jesus) set the ultimate example of service when He washed His disciples’ feet, an act that demonstrated humility and love. He showed us that no act of service is too small or insignificant when done with the right heart. Serving others is a way to honor God and to express His love to the world.
As you go through your day, ask God to show you how you can serve those around you. Look for ways to be a blessing to others, whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or a generous act. Remember that your service, no matter how small, is valuable in God’s eyes and has the power to make a difference in someone’s life.
Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for the example of service that Jesus set for me. Help me to serve others with a willing heart, putting their needs before my own and reflecting Your love in my actions. Give me the strength to serve with humility and joy, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient. Show me how I can be a blessing to those around me, and use my service to bring glory to Your name. Thank You for the privilege of serving others and for the opportunity to grow in character and faith through my service. Amen.
Verses to Meditate On:
- Matthew 20:28 (NKJV)
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” - 1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV)
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” - John 13:14-15 (NKJV)
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” - Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV)
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” - Hebrews 6:10 (NKJV)
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
