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 4:10-11

Some people believe that they have the right to use their abilities and gifts as they please. Others feel that they have no special talent at all. Peter addresses both groups in this verse. Everyone has some gifts find yours and use them. All our abilities should be used in serving others.

Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Matthew 20:28

Jesus came to this earth to serve. He is the ultimate example of service. He died so that we can have a relationship with God and that through him we might be saved. And in him we have everything we need to live a successful Christian life.

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. – John 13:12-14

This is another example of how Jesus came to serve. Jesus did not wash his disciples feet just to get them to be nice to each other. His greater goal was to extend his mission on earth after he was gone. These men were to move into the world serving God, serving each other, and serving all people whom they took the message of salvation to.

And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all. – Mark 9:35

Greatness comes by being a servant to others. Not by exulting yourself above others. You must believe that God will honour your servant hood in history and in eternity.

But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. – Matthew 23:11-12

There is to be no elitism in servanthood. When was the last time you served someone? Someone who couldn’t do anything for you in return? That’s what Jesus did. The eternal son of God became a servant to save those who couldn’t save themselves. As a result God the father exalted him. And that’s what Jesus promises his disciples here in this verse.

Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 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 25:37-40

This parable describes acts of mercy we all can do every day. These acts do not depend on wealth, ability, or intelligence. They are simply and freely given and freely received. We have no excuse to neglect those who have deep needs and we cannot handover this responsibility to the church or government alone.

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell. – Proverbs 11:24-26 NIV

Giving and serving others reveals who really comes first in our lives. When we use our money to give and serve others God promises blessings to be returned onto us. Receiving shouldn’t be the motivation when serving or giving but your willingness to show the love of Christ to others should be your driving force.

Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? – James 2:15-16 NIV

What James is saying here is that if someone has a physical need and you give them something spiritual, that is not the most appropriate way to need their need. When we serve others we need to understand how we can meet the needs of others. If it is clothing or food that someone needs we should serve and give to them accordingly.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:4

Paul encourages us to guard against any selfish prejudice or jealousy that might lead to dissension. Showing genuine interest in others is a positive step forward in maintaining unity among believers.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. – Galatians 6:9-10 NIV

It is sometimes discouraging to continue to do right and not receive no word of thanks or see any tangible results. But Paul challenged the Galatians and he challenges us to keep on doing good and to trust God for the results. This is the mindset that we need to have when we are serving others because oftentimes what is done goes under the radar.