Serving Size:1

Galatians 5:13 – “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

How do you serve others? We need only serve one person at a time and in doing that the blessings from that service can bless others. By being obedient to God we are serving Him. Just the opportunity to serve God, a serving of one, can bless multitudes.

We are free to to serve others, but we must examine our hearts. Are we serving with the right heart attitude? Are we doing it out of obligation? Are we doing it so that others will see us? Are we willing to serve without obligation, without expecting anything in return? We have received so much from God. His Son’s blood, His salvation – He has freely given to us and knows we can’t ever pay Him back. Jesus freely sacrificed Himself knowing that nothing we can do could ever come close to paying Him back.

Our faith does not require works. Our service and obedience to God are a result of our faith. Paul writes in James 2:20 -“… You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless.” It is because of our faith in God and what He done for us that we are free to serve others out of love and not obligation. Just as God has provided salvation for us.

Think about a time when you received something completely out of love, no strings attached. Did you not feel loved? How can you use your freedom to show others how much Jesus loves them?

When we use our freedom to serve others we are serving God, one person. When we serve out of obedience God will bless us and those around us. John 5: 1-11, v.3 “Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land.” Simon was obedient to Jesus. In verse 6, a miracle happens, – “ And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. ⁷ They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.”

Jesus blessed those around Simon. James and John were close by fishing with Simon and Jesus blessed them as well. There were people on the shore Jesus was speaking to and I am sure they were blessed through witnessing this miracle. So when we are obedient to God He can bless others around us! Just by serving one person, God. It may look like we are serving a neighbor, a friend, or a family member but ultimately we are serving the one, true God.

Evaluate how you have served in the past, was it out of obligation? Pause and ask God how you can improve in serving others. Ask God to place someone on your heart and to open your eyes to those around you, to open your eyes to opportunities to those who may be in need of something, maybe it’s just an encouraging word.

What is your next step in obedience to God to serve Him?