1. First of all, loving others is commanded in the Bible. This is the second part of the greatest command given by Christ (Mark 12:31). It is important to remember that loving others takes action. James 2:15-16 “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed, but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” Active service is how one demonstrates this love. This love is commanded by Jesus.

2. Secondly, all Christians are given spiritual gifts for the purpose of serving others. 1 Peter 4:10 states “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” By offering a service to others, one gets to join in on the blessing of others by God. It says in the second part of the verse that God uses us to “administer God’s grace in its various forms.” Some gifts are not as visible as others, yet all are equally important to the Body of Christ. One orchestra conductor once commented, “It is hardest to find a good second chair violinist. There are plenty of first chairs.”

3. Thirdly, those who serve in the church gain a great assurance in their faith. In 1 Timothy 3:13, Paul instructs the reader about the qualifications of a deacon (lit. servant). He says those who have served well gain a “great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” I read about men and women of great faith and I admire and even envy their faith. The one common factor in their faith is that they sacrificially served others.

4. Lastly, God rewards those who serve him faithfully served him. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, Paul mentions that we will appear before the judgment seat of Christ and will receive what is due him “for the things done while in the body whether good or bad.” This judgment is not about one’s salvation but it is a believers only appearing before Christ. He will reward his children for all the good deeds that were done.

So, what are you waiting for? Get busy!