In my line of work as a nurse, rendering services is of utmost importance. I have served young and old, men and women, and people from different walks of life. The nature of my occupation is to give and render quality service to our patients who need different types of medical attention and assistance. It requires physical strength, emotional toughness to combat stress, and endurance for long hours of service. Specifically, it requires pushing machines, assisting and attending to the respective requests of our patients, and assisting physicians in treating ill people.
Although my occupation is physically exhausting and emotionally stressful at times, at the end of the day, it is fulfilling and rewarding. On top of that, there is joy in seeing patients recover from their respective illnesses.
According to the book “The Five Love Languages” by Gard Chapman, ‘Acts of Service’ is one of the five languages of love. It means that love signifies service. One way to demonstrate our Christian love for one another is through acts of service. This act of service could vary in different forms. Rendering service to one another is a manifestation that we love each other. Love is best shown through acts of service.
When we think of service, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is the ultimate example that we can think of. As recorded in the gospel account of Mark, “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)
Being God and with the nature of God in the flesh, the Lord set an example for us to serve one another. He set an example for us to emulate. The Lord washed His disciples’ feet. His service was best personified before them when He said, “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:13-15). Jesus had set examples for us to follow, thus we have to render our service in whatever way we can.
In the household of God, Christians’ acts of service are equally important. Why is Christian service important? The reason is that it is commanded by God in the Scriptures. The apostle Peter exhorts us to use our gifts to serve one another. He said, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:8-11 ESV)
We are to use our talents to minister to one another. I believe all of us have different talents which we can use to serve one another. The Lord has blessed us with different abilities to serve one another. As the apostle Paul had this to say to the Christians at Rome, “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:3-8 NKJV).
What propels us to do this? Serving means fulfilling the law of Christ. Love enables us to serve one another with sacrifice, “Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” (Philippians 2:17). Love fuels us to serve others, even when it is not reciprocal, “I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.” (2 Corinthians 12:15 NLT).
Our love for each other should be our primary motivation to serve one another in whatever capacity we can. The Lord is fully aware of whatever services we are rendering towards one another, and certainly He sees and rewards our labor of love for one another, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister.” (Hebrews. 6:10 ASV)
Ask Myself
Who should I follow as an example of service?
How should I think of myself?
What are some ways I can serve my brethren?
Answers
Jesus (Mark 10:45; cf. John 13:13-15).
Not to think of myself more highly than I should but to consider others (Romans 12:3-8).
You may discuss this with the writer or your Bible class teacher.