READ
REFLECT
Our athletic community is service-focused. We offer opportunities for people to volunteer because God’s work is all about service.
We all get a good feeling when we do something for someone else out of the goodness of our hearts. That’s because service is a cornerstone of heaven. When we serve others, we emulate the example of Jesus Christ, who gave everyone his time, love, and attention, regardless of their past.
Jesus never looked at someone who had done wrong and said, “He/she isn’t worth my time.” He always gave people His time. It didn’t matter if they were a tax collector, a leper, or a prostitute. He saw beyond the shell that others saw and could see into someone’s heart. By spending time with those rejected and marginalized by society, Jesus demonstrated his mission to seek and save the lost and bring salvation to all people, regardless of their background or social status.
Do you remember the woman who came to the Lord while he dined at a Pharisee’s home? The woman washed Christ’s feet with her tears, which the Pharisee scoffed at. But the Lord replied, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
We can do many different things to better serve others as Christ’s followers. Here are two examples.
Be more compassionate. Compassion is the heartbeat of Christian service, pumping life into our efforts to love and care for others. Without compassion, our service can become like a body without a beating heart, lifeless and ineffective. With compassion, however, our service can become a vital organ, sustaining and nourishing the body of Christ.
Be happy to serve. Joy is the sunshine that nourishes the seeds of Christian service, allowing them to grow and bloom into beautiful acts of love and kindness. Without joy, our service can become like a plant without sunlight, withering and dying under the weight of our own efforts. With joy, however, our service can become like a thriving garden, bursting with life and color, bringing hope and renewal to those we serve.
RESPOND
1. Write down one more way to serve others as a believer.
2. Commit Luke 7:47 to memory.
