“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” – Proverbs 11:25
Every now and then, I just have to allow yourself a little chuckle. As I read today’s verse, my amused mind immediately thought of my current weight loss program. I thought, “Good thing I’m a conservative!” I just couldn’t help it!!
On a more serious note, when we choose to selflessly minister to others, whether spiritually or physically, God will bless us. How can we minister to someone? Jesus gave us the “Great Commission” in Mark 16:15, instructing us to share the gospel with the world. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” When we share Christ with others, we minister to their souls. Our lives should reflect Jesus at all times, so others can see Him in us and hopefully respond to the gospel message. This is the ultimate service for God!
Here are a few other ways we can minister to others.
- Pray for others – “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;” (1 Timothy 2:1)
- Give to the poor – “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” (Proverbs 19:17
- Share the burdens of others – “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
- Be willing to share when there is a need – “Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” (Matthew 5:42)
- Use your talents for God – “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)
- Be kind to others – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
- Forgive others – “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” (Colossians 3:13)
When we minister to others out of our love for God, He blesses the work and the servant. The blessing may be in that moment or years later. Hebrews 6:10 states “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” He always knows what we do in His name, and He will reward us for honoring Him through our service. Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38) Our reward may be here on earth or in our heavenly home, but either way, God will bless!
When we serve from the heart, God is glorified. In serving the Lord generously and freely, we honor Him and bring glory to His name. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 (Corinthians 10:31) I may just pass out a tract or two this week. My soul could use a little fattening up!
Lord let me serve, Lord let me follow
Give me a place and a purpose to fill
Teach me to serve, teach me to follow
Use me to do Your will.
People are longing to learn of the Savior
Children are growing not knowing He cares
Lord, let me tell them about Your compassion
Lord, where can I be used?
Lord let me serve wherever You need me
Make me a vessel thro’ which You can flow
Give me a mission a place of fulfillment
Lord, where can I be used?
Ready and willing to give You my talent
Show me the task and I’ll serve You today
Give me a passion to work for Your glory
Lord, where can I be used?
(from “Lord, Let Me Serve” by Linda Lee Johnson and Thomas E. Fettke)
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” – Colossians 3:17
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Serving God reaps blessings unimaginable!