Serving One Another & The Church In Love

As Christians, one of our primary callings is to love and serve one another. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands His disciples to love one another, saying "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

So, how can we serve one another in love? Here are a few scriptural principles to guide us:

1. Put others before ourselves. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." We can serve one another in love by being willing to set aside our own needs and desires and prioritize the needs of others.
2. Use our gifts to bless others. In 1 Peter 4:10-11, Peter writes, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace...in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." Each of us has been given unique gifts and talents, and we can use them to serve and bless others in love.
3. Bear one another's burdens. In Galatians 6:2, Paul writes, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." We can serve one another in love by being willing to come alongside those who are struggling and help carry their burdens.
4. Speak truth in love. In Ephesians 4:15, Paul writes, "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ." Sometimes serving one another in love means speaking difficult truths, but we can do so in a way that is gentle and compassionate, seeking to build up and encourage rather than tear down.

Ultimately, serving one another in love is an outworking of our love for God and our desire to follow Jesus' example of selflessness and sacrifice. As we seek to serve one another in love, may we be reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 25:40: "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

Serving the church in love is also an important aspect of our Christian faith. Here are a few ways we can serve the church in love:

1. Use our gifts to build up the body. As mentioned earlier, each of us has been given unique gifts and talents that can be used to bless others. In the context of the church, we can use our gifts to serve and build up the body of Christ. This might include volunteering in a ministry, serving in a leadership role, or simply using our gifts to encourage and support others.
2. Pray for the church and its leaders. Prayer is a powerful way we can serve the church in love. We can pray for our pastors, elders, and other leaders, asking God to give them wisdom, strength, and guidance as they seek to lead the church. We can also pray for the members of the church, asking God to help us grow in our love for Him and for one another.
3. Give generously. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Giving financially is one way we can serve the church in love, supporting its ministries and outreach efforts. But we can also give of our time and resources, volunteering our skills and talents to help the church in practical ways.
4. Serve with a humble and willing heart. In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul writes, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." As we serve the church, whether through volunteering, giving, or simply being present and supportive, we can do so with a humble and willing heart, recognizing that we are ultimately serving Christ Himself.

By serving the church in love, we not only bless and strengthen the body of Christ, but we also grow in our own faith and obedience to God. May we be faithful and joyful servants of the church, using our gifts and resources to advance God's kingdom and bring glory to His name.

Consider This:
1. What is one practical way you can serve someone in love today, using the principles outlined in scripture?

2. What is one specific way you can serve your local church in love this week?