For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Galatians 5:13-14
We all experience moments when we are disappointed or feel alone. Because of the brokenness of the world, we all struggle in different ways, needing help and support even when we feel like we should be able to take care of life on our own. When we follow Jesus, we are transformed and freed to see others in fresh ways. This freedom in Christ has been given so that we can love one another more completely. Through the example of Jesus, we see what it looks like to love sacrificially and truly love a neighbor as yourself. Through the Holy Spirit, we have discernment to consider the needs of others and not just what we want.
What would it look like to see service to others as an opportunity instead of an obligation? What would happen if you started to use moments of disappointment to help you consider how someone else may need support? When we start to think this way, the tables are turned from what is normal and natural, and we start to point to God who gives us a new way to live that doesn’t revolve around what we want but what will bring Him glory.
- When was a time you needed help but felt overlooked? How can that experience point you to help someone else in a similar situation?
- How might you begin to view service as an opportunity? How is that different from how you live now?
- Pray and ask God to open your eyes to the daily opportunities to serve others.
