Serving Others

Ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive – Acts 20:35

Support the weak. Here is the essence of serving others. Not “impress the powerful,” or “be good to the influential,” or “help those who might be able to aid you in the future.” No, the whole idea of true service is reaching out to others with no thought of getting something in return.

Supporting the weak means assisting those—perhaps even on an ongoing basis—who are powerless to repay the favor. As Jesus worded it in the gospel of Luke, “do good, and lend, hoping for nothing [in return]” (6:35).

Paul then quotes the words of Jesus, which have literally become proverbial in the years following: it is more blessed to give than to receive. A simple assertion, and one that has become so commonly known in our culture that almost everyone has heard or spoken it themselves.

Yet, how many live by this truth? Who is actually willing to give of their time, energy, and money more than they are interested in receiving service and gifts and attention from others? Few, if any, live out the believe that giving to others, for the glory of God, promises infinitely more satisfaction than any personal gain.

What about you? Are you willing to walk out by faith on Jesus’ words today and live an others-focused, service-centered lifestyle? If so then rest assured that your faith will be rewarded by more blessings than selfishness will ever know.