Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)
Can you recall times when someone did something for you that impacted you in a positive way and you search out ways to return the favor?
The little girl drew a picture of the octopus she saw at the marine aquarium and asked her mommy to hang onto it until their next visit. They had season passes, allowing them to visit quite frequently. Upon arriving at the aquarium on their next outing, my 5-year-old granddaughter asked for her picture, which had been stored in Mommy’s purse. My daughter assumed little Leila wanted to look at her picture when she went to see the octopus again—or—perhaps show it to the sea creature.
Leila held her folded paper drawing carefully until they reached the octopus’s exhibit.
Much to my daughter’s surprise, Leila ran up to an older woman, the exhibit volunteer, and handed her the drawing.
“I made this for you!” Naturally, this made the volunteer’s day.
Leila followed a nudge in her heart and obediently acted on it. She also beautifully displayed my prayerfully chosen word for 2026: Service.
Each January, I choose a word for the year. A specific word to focus on, pray about, and act upon. I’ve been reflecting on how often I pray—asking God to bless others, or help those around me who are suffering, and then do nothing for these people or some of these situations, personally. The Scriptures tell us how the Son of Man (Jesus) did not come to be served, but rather, to serve (Matthew 20:28). Jesus sacrificially gave up His very life to ultimately serve me (and you).
I want to return the favor.
Service to others is about generosity, hospitality, meeting needs, and sharing of ourselves. Service is a core principle of our faith, and, as demonstrated by our key verse, is a command from God, not a suggestion. Every believer is called to serve. We are able to make the biggest difference and receive the most joy when we use our God-given talents and abilities to help others.
“But I don’t have anything to contribute.” Sound familiar?
The Bible details several people who felt the same way. Take Moses, for example. He had a speech impediment and in no way believed he was a leader or a speaker. Yet, God worked through Moses to bring Israel out of slavery. And how about the apostle Paul? Before he met Jesus, he used to kill Christians but later was used by God to become a highly-regarded church planter, a prolific writer, and a deeply compassionate evangelist to those around him.
If God can use Moses and Paul to serve others, I reckon He can use you and me too.
“Service isn’t just about grand gestures or public acts of devotion. It’s about cultivating a heart that seeks to align with God’s will in every aspect of life.” – Bob Bunn
How can we “serve” better? Here are a few ideas:
Hospitality. Provide outreach to others: Give blankets to the homeless, provide meals for food pantries (or your neighbor), serve as a greeter at church making strangers feel welcome.
Sharing. Give your money, talents, or time as God prompts you. (Or draw a picture to bless a volunteer. Wink-wink.)
Praying. Pray for ways to make a difference in the lives of others. Ask someone, “How can I pray for you?”
When we serve others, we serve God. When we use the gifts God has equipped us with, we bring Him glory. Serving increases our ability to love and gives us greater purpose.
Today, examine your strengths, personality, skill sets, talents, and passions. Ask God where He wants you to use the abilities He has given you to bless others. Return the favor.
I’m in. How about you?
Lord, teach me to serve. Out of gratefulness for the ways You have served me with Your grace, forgiveness, and mercy, help me seek ways to bless you by being of service to others. Amen.