What motivates you to serve those around you? Do you get excited to see people smile? Do you like get a special feeling of doing something good for other people? Or is it something different?
The Bible suggests one of the major motivations for all of us is the love that God shows for us through Jesus. Paul mentions it this way: “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Cor 5:14-15).
And yes, I agree with Paul. As we observe God’s love for us in Christ, we determine to selflessly serve others as God serves us.
Is there anything else that should motivate us though?
Motivated by the Return of Christ
In addition to an awareness of the selfless message of the Gospel, the Apostle Peter also suggests that the return of Christ should also motivate our service toward and for each other.
7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:7-11)
Notice that Peter begins this text with the main idea of the return of Christ. When Peter mentions the end of all things, he refers to the return of Christ. In other words, since the return is near, followers of Christ should be motivated to do more than sit on the sidelines. The return is near; therefore, there is no time to wait on serving others! Think of it this way… if you like sports, it is similar to a 2-minute offense at the end of a football game.
What do we do? We serve each other. As we do, fellow followers of Christ are encouraged, those outside the body of Christ are also encouraged by us (cf., 1 Pet 2:11-12), and God is glorified in our efforts.
Here, Peter encourages four types of service: prayer, creative love, hospitality, and serving as a steward of the grace of God.
Serving Others This Week
As we start a new week, may we seek to serve others well through Christ for the glory of Christ.
Image Credit Toa Heftiba
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