Serving from the heart
As followers of Jesus, we are called to serve one another with love and humility. The act of serving others is not merely a duty but a privilege and a way to express our gratitude for the grace we have received through Christ. Today, let us reflect on the importance of serving from the heart.
In the book of Galatians, the apostle Paul reminds us, “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). This verse emphasizes that our freedom in Christ is not meant for self-indulgence, but for selfless service to others. When we serve with love, we imitate the very nature of our Lord, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
Serving from the heart means that our actions are motivated by genuine compassion and a desire to meet the needs of others. It involves going beyond mere outward appearances and performing acts of kindness with sincerity and authenticity. When we serve from the heart, we emulate the love of Christ, who demonstrated his love for us by laying down his life for our salvation.
Moreover, serving from the heart brings joy and fulfillment. In the book of Colossians, we are encouraged, “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” (Colossians 3:23-24). When we serve with a sincere heart, our service becomes an offering to the Lord, and He promises to reward us according to His abundant grace.
Let us remember that God looks at the heart, and he values the motives behind our actions. In the book of 1 Samuel, the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Therefore, when we serve from the heart, our service becomes a fragrant offering to God, bringing glory to His name.
As we go about our daily lives, let us seek opportunities to serve from the heart, whether it is through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or sacrificial giving. May our service be characterized by love, humility, and a genuine concern for others. Let us imitate the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who humbly served and ultimately laid down his life for us.
May the Holy Spirit empower us to serve from the heart, and may our lives be a testimony of God’s love and grace to the world.
In Christ’s love,
Elder Gerry M Gooding