When I asked this question, I found my mind going in circles because I really could not settle on one solid answer, but rather was flooded with the many reasons we choose to love on others.
First, being that sometimes, when we are so in tune with the Father, I find that it isn't even a conscious choice, but rather just allowing our Lord to move in and through us! Those "little" impulse moves to carry out somebody's groceries, or pump gas for the elderly across from us, or even hold a door so politely for someone. These are acts of service, of love, and when performed so naturally rather than for self boast, it's not our love, but rather the perfect Love of the Father shining through!
We should never find ourselves short of "reasons" to Love.
Jesus and The Word, tells us to do so...
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" - 1 Peter 4:10
"If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” - Mark 9:35
I recently read a passage in a book that has stuck with me...
-why don't we assume God actually does want us to DO everything He tells us, and have faith that he will direct and channel those actions in the right direction?
Jesus not only tells us numerous times to serve others, but many times we read instruction to love others. Love is a synonym of serve, at least in should be!
Because he first loved us...
We as fallen human beings lack the ability of true, perfect love. It is ONLY through God and our relationship with Jesus that we can truly love others.
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us" 1 John 4:7-12
Why do we serve?
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them" - Hebrew 6:10
Serving is not only a way we can demonstrate God's love, but in serving we "show God love!" It is an act of worship!
Why do we serve?
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” - Gal 5:13-14
We have been set Free!
When we come to the realization of who and what we would be without the saving grace of our Lord, we can discern that every part of our lives should be devoted to service
For Him!
"We can do no great things, only small things with great love" - Mother Teresa
There are innumerable ways that YOU can serve! Be proactive and pray for direction! Remember that we don't have to serve hundreds or thousands to serve Jesus. Only ONE!
Here are a few ways my family serves...
"And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." - Matthew 25:40
Here are a few ways my family serves...
We sponsor children through Compassion Intl. and serve as child advocates.
Pack and send shoe boxes every year as well as give monthly to Samaritan's Purse discipleship program.
Participate in food drives that serve the local community.
Serve through mission trips at home and internationally.
Volunteer at various events such as conferences and concerts.
Serve in our local church.
Click Here For more ways to get involved and read a little bit about what God is doing around the world.
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