Serve the church...

Serving starts with our church family.

Listen to what Paul says to us concerning them. In Galatians 6:9-10 the apostle writes, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (NIV)

Those who share faith in Jesus are to be special targets of our God-honoring service. We serve them by using our spiritual gifts for their benefit.

1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (NIV)

Romans 12:6-8, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (NIV)

Look at the wide variety of ways God enables his children to serve each other. They are so practical. Meeting practical physical needs in Jesus’ name. Helping others understand God’s Word. Teaching your sister how to grow in her relationship with Jesus. Encouraging the discouraged to remain faithful. Seeing to the needs of a brother through generous and secret giving. Leading with godly wisdom. Speaking mercifully when painful times come. Showing compassion to the weak.

You can serve in one of these ways if you are a believer. The Holy Spirit has gifted you to do something. Faithfully administer God’s grace to the followers of Jesus closest to you. Don’t miss an opportunity to do good to those who belong to the family of believers. And I’m not talking about just those who attend your church. I’m talking about those who belong to Jesus, no matter their denomination. Look out for the needs of all your brothers and sisters. Pray for them. Encourage them. Meet their needs. Administer God’s grace to them in whatever way God has enabled you to serve best.

Friends, “…we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

Many of those good works are meant to be in service to God’s people. Don’t miss a single opportunity to express God’s amazing love to a saint.

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