Have you noticed that our world seems to be full of things that drain the life out of us? There is a distinct lack of hope, joy, peace, and love. So how can you be life-giving and pour those qualities back into the world? It all starts with impacting the person next to you. You can change the world by sharing Christ’s love one person at a time. One of the best ways to do that is by serving and encouraging others.
Be a Life Giver
Jesus calls us to serve and encourage one another as a way to be life-giving. He says in Mark 10:43-44, “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” Jesus Himself modeled a servant’s heart. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
The Bible tells us that by serving one another and encouraging others, we are a witness to Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).
Jesus tells us that God notices when we serve and encourage one another. He says in Matthew 25:34-40: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’
Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Serving and Encouraging One Another
There are many ways that you can serve and encourage those around you. So many people cross your path every day: Family, friends, neighbors, classmates, teachers, pastors, people at church, doctors, dentists, the clerk at the grocery store — the list is endless!
Serving others provides an incredible opportunity to share the love of Christ. Here are 30 ideas to get you started. Remember, these lists are just scratching the surface of endless possibilities to serve. What other ways can you think of to serve others around you? What gifts and talents has God given you that will help you to serve and encourage others?
10 Ways to Serve Others
1) Help someone with yard work or shoveling snow.
2) Deliver a meal or a tasty treat (like cookies) to someone.
3) Pick up groceries for someone who can’t make it to the store.
4) Offer to babysit so that the parents can have a relaxing night to themselves or enjoy an evening out.
5) Help someone who can’t get out of the house by walking their dog for them, or volunteer to walk dogs at the Humane Society or local shelter.
6) Volunteer to serve at a soup kitchen.
7) Donate items, especially clothing that you’ve outgrown, to a shelter.
8) Do a chore without being asked. Extra points if you do your parent’s or siblings’ least favorite chore for them.
9) Help a friend or sibling with their homework, or teach them a new skill that you know a lot about.
10) Put together a care package for a deployed soldier, their family, or other families who may need some encouragement or assistance.
10 Ways to Serve the Church
1) Volunteer to help in the nursery or the children’s ministry.
2) Sign up to be a greeter or an usher. This is a great way to meet new people and make them feel welcome in the church.
3) Offer to help in the coffee shop if your church has one.
4) Join a prayer team and commit to praying for others.
5) Volunteer to set up and tear down before and after church, youth group, or other church events.
6) Lead or join a Bible study.
7) Call, send cards, and visit those who may be in the hospital, grieving, or unable to attend church for other reasons. Reaching out to let them know that someone cares can be a big deal!
8) Help start a food pantry or meals ministry for members of your church who are in need. If there is one existing, get connected to learn how to help organize it and provide meals.
9) Love technical stuff? Volunteer to run the audio-visual system during services and events.
10) Have some musical talent or love to sing? Join the worship team or choir.
10 Ways to Encourage Others
1) Send a card or letter to someone with an uplifting note inside. Tell them how much you appreciate them.
2) Share your creativity by making a handmade gift.
3) Listen. Sometimes the people around you need someone to listen to them talk and with whom they can share their stories.
4) Help someone reach a goal. Be a champion for them and their goals, and let them know how much you believe in them.
5) Pay it forward. Surprise someone behind you in line when you’re getting a coffee or fast food by paying for their order. Paying it forward can be a great chance to leave them a note that mentions how Jesus loves them.
6) Be a mentor. There are kids younger than you looking for guidance as they step into the world, and you can positively influence their lives and help guide them on their walk with Jesus.
7) Commit to praying for someone. If a person asks you for prayer, pray for them right then and there. Pray together if you can.
8) Leave encouraging messages on all your friends’ social media accounts.
9) Share a hug or a smile.
10) Spend quality time with someone.
April Biblical Pursuit
God is holy. What does that mean? How does the holiness of God change how we live, learn, and love? God’s holiness is a difficult topic to grasp, but the Bible has important answers that can help!
Click Here to Check it Out!
