Girls Life Application Study Bible - Flipbook - Page 67
HOW TO SERVE OTHERS
Serving others starts with love for God and people. Love is the
first fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It’s what drove Jesus to
come to earth and later die for our sins. When asked what the
greatest commandment was, Jesus said, “‘You must love the Lord
your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally
important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:3739; see also Romans 12:9-21; 1 John 3:18; 4:7-21). A neighbor
can be anyone (Luke 10:29-37). Jesus also tells us, “Love your
enemies” (Matthew 5:44). Jesus isn’t saying that we need to
work up warm, fuzzy feelings for our neighbors and enemies.
Instead, this kind of love involves attitude and action. Love
means choosing to act in someone else’s best interests. Love
means 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 your
schedule and can help you choose projects outside of the home
wisely. And don’t forget your heavenly Father—God. Ask him to
help you see the needs around you and find ways to get involved.
SKILLS
So many people need help. Perhaps you’re wondering what you
can 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 that
person. “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 you
know what is needed. Don’t be afraid to ask people what they need.
Get involved with a group working to serve others—for example, a
homeless shelter or an organization that provides food for people
in other countries. You could also get some friends together to
organize a bake sale, then donate the money to a ministry.
Love begins at home. Look for ways to help out, like watching a
younger brother or sister or doing the dishes without being asked.
(See also “How to Help a Friend” on page 8.3.)
7.6
Don’t brag about serving—do it with humility (see Ephesians
4:2). Sometimes this means doing something kind and not saying
anything about it at all. Be willing to serve even if no one thanks you.
7.7
