Faith in Process: Kneel
A life-giving faith fosters “the blessed life” every person desires. A key component to that faith is loving, helpful service of others.
Some Benefits of Serving/Helping Others
Feels good. Keeps things in perspective. Builds self-esteem. Benefits your career. Connects with new people. Relief from pain. Volunteering combats depression. Lowers blood pressure. Reduces stress. More happiness. Develops sense of purpose. Giving triggers more giving. Fosters a sense of belonging. Altruism is contagious. Volunteering as a family is powerful. Longer lifespan.
Some Bible Verses about Serving/Helping Others
· Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV): Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his... – Jesus
· Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV): For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited me in, I needed clothes, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. – Jesus
· John 13:12-14 (NIV): When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. 'Do you understand what I have done for you?' he asked them. 'You call me “Teacher” and “Lord,” and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.'" – Jesus
· Galatians 5:13 (NIV): You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – Paul
· Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV): Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. – Paul
· Colossians 3:23 (NIV): Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. – Paul
Things to think about...
1. What have been among the most positive experiences of serving others for you? What did you do? Why did you do it? How did it help others? How did it make you feel?
2. Have there ever been times when you served out of obligation, and you didn’t really want to do it? What did you do? Why did you do it? How did it help others? How did it make you feel?
3. How was “serving others” framed for you growing up? How was it tainted with obligation? How did that impact your desire? Your attitude? Your experience?
4. When has service come especially easy for you? Why? What was/is your motivation to serve in those situations?
5. How might you set yourself up for a more life-giving-and-receiving orientation toward kneeling in loving, helpful service toward others?
6. Who in your world are easy to serve? Who are more difficult for you to serve? How might changing our vision and motivation alter our capacity to serve them in ways that benefit yourself and the “challenging” person?