Act in Love Serving One Another

I have an extra day off this week,” Carl told his wife as he walked into the kitchen. I think I’ll use it to fix Donna’s bike and then take Larry on that museum trip he’s been talking about.”

“Fixing a bike and visiting a museum hardly sound like exciting ways to spend a day off,” his wife replied.

“It’s exciting if you love your kids!” Carl replied.

Carl’s story was related by Warren Wiersbe to illustrate Paul’s statement in Galatians 5:13, “Through love serve one another.”

We’re continuing a series that began with a post, “Passion: The Heartbeat of Spiritual Zeal.” It was an acrostic of “passion” to demonstrate some of the qualities, characteristics, and attributes of passion. The “P” was Pursue God with your whole heart. Today, is the letter “A”–Act in Love Serving One Another.”

Paul’s exhortation is one of 59 specific “one another” commands that serve as directives regarding our relationship, fellowship, and responsibilities to each other in the Family of Believers. It would not be a stretch to say that serving one another in love is the foundation of all other commands.

If you love others, you won’t hurt them, lie about them, gossip about them, or hold grudges against them. Loving others ought to naturally issue in care, compassion, and concern. It is demonstrated in our fellowship. In our mutual edification. And in our expressions of encouragement. It’s all wrapped up in two words: Love Serves.

When we serve one another in love, we arouse our spiritual passion and ignite the zeal for doing good. The command in Galatians 6:10 to “do good” to everyone, especially to the Family of Believers, becomes a joyous way of life, rather than a laborious duty. It’s seen as a blessing, not a burden. It’s an excellent opportunity, not an oppressive, onerous obligation.

Serving one another in love must be voluntary, selfless, and benevolent. It puts others’ needs before our own comfort. It’s emulating the spirit of our Savior who said that He came “not to be served, but to serve” (Mk. 10:45). It’s motivated by the love of God and empowered by the Spirit working in us as we produce “the fruit of the spirit.”

Serving one another in love is more often seen in the daily, routine, and ordinary acts of kindness, rather than extraordinary, newsworthy events.

At home, we can serve in love by lending a helping hand when chores become burdensome and by showing support to our children when they need encouragement. By husbands and wives, parents and children demonstrating mutual respect and being unselfish. Love doesn’t say, “That’s not my job.” Love says, “Let me help.”

In the church, we serve in love by utilizing our spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities to build up the Body of Christ. It may be through teaching, being hospitable, or meeting a financial need. Sometimes, it’s a simple word of encouragement. A pat on the back. A smile. A hug. It takes time to notice others’ needs and listen patiently to their struggles.

Of course, Christian living and love issues itself in acts of service beyond the confines of our homes, or the four walls of a church building. It’s loving our neighbor. Being an enthusiastic and helpful co-worker on the job. It’s treating others with honor, honesty, and mutual respect.

In a world that often prioritizes selfish pursuits, boasts of its accomplishments, and flaunts its freedoms, Christians serve one another in love.

Passionate ministry fulfills the “law of love.” It’s a positive upward cycle that feeds on itself, creating even greater zeal and deeper dedication. It also serves to inspire others and ignite the fires of loving service within them as well.

However, please be advised that much of our service may seem mundane to others and may not be considered an exciting way to live. But when you love the Lord and love people, service becomes exciting.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman