HOW TO SERVE OTHERSServing others starts with love for God and people. Love is thefirst fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It’s what drove Jesus tocome to earth and later die for our sins. When asked what thegreatest commandment was, Jesus said, “‘You must love the Lordyour God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equallyimportant: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:3739; see also Romans 12:9-21; 1 John 3:18; 4:7-21). A neighborcan be anyone (Luke 10:29-37). Jesus also tells us, “Love yourenemies” (Matthew 5:44). Jesus isn’t saying that we need towork up warm, fuzzy feelings for our neighbors and enemies.Instead, this kind of love involves attitude and action. Lovemeans choosing to act in someone else’s best interests. Lovemeans being willing to do whatever is needed to help others.Love also means not judging others.Check with Mom or Dad first. They know your talents and yourschedule and can help you choose projects outside of the homewisely. And don’t forget your heavenly Father—God. Ask him tohelp you see the needs around you and find ways to get involved.SKILLSSo many people need help. Perhaps you’re wondering what youcan do to serve others but aren’t sure how to go about it.Could someone your age really make a difference?The answer is yes!Sometimes, the best way to serve someone is to listen to thatperson. “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry”(James 1:19). Give someone the gift of a listening ear.You might see someone with a need, but don’t just assume youknow what is needed. Don’t be afraid to ask people what they need.Get involved with a group working to serve others—for example, ahomeless shelter or an organization that provides food for peoplein other countries. You could also get some friends together toorganize a bake sale, then donate the money to a ministry.Love begins at home. Look for ways to help out, like watching ayounger brother or sister or doing the dishes without being asked.(See also “How to Help a Friend” on page 8.3.)7.6Don’t brag about serving—do it with humility (see Ephesians4:2). Sometimes this means doing something kind and not sayinganything about it at all. Be willing to serve even if no one thanks you.7.7
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