Serve Others

He also demonstrated what it means to serve others when he washed the feet of his disciples. You see, in those days, people wore sandals. And it was customary to have one’s feet washed if one entered a home as a guest. This was a role assigned to the least servant in a home or two the youngest member of the family. In John 13:4-5 we learn that Jesus performed this lowly task of service: “So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist,5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.” (NLT)

He then said, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am.14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you” (John 13:13-15, NLT). People wear shoes these days and most of our roads are paved, so we don’t wash people’s feet when they enter our home. But the command to serve others remains.

Consider the following. When we start following Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives us each a spiritual gift. A spiritual gift is a special ability given so that we can minister to one another and build each other up. 1 Corinthians 2:4 and 7 says, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all…A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” (NLT) And 1 Peter 4:10-11 says,

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. (NLT)

And Romans 12:10-11 says, “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” (NLT)

God’s plan is for us to serve him by serving others. When we do this, it brings growth to our life and strengthens the congregation. In Ephesians 4 the Apostle Paul uses a metaphor of the human body to describe the health and growth that takes place among believers when everyone uses their gifts to bless others. Ephesians 4:16 says, “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (NLT) When believers serve one another it brings growth throughout the church.

Did you notice that in the previous verses (Romans 12:10-11 and Ephesians 4:16) the word love is associated with serving others? That’s because serving others is an expression of our love for God and for Others.