There is a special joy that comes from serving. I know that is not a ground-breaking statement, but it’s still worthy of some meaningful consideration. Why do we feel good when we serve?

We are hard-wired to serve. Medical science has shown there are biological reasons we feel good when we serve. Studies have shown that people who volunteer/serve others can reduce mortality, lower risk of high blood pressure and lower risk of inflammation levels. Lowering stress levels while increasing your health, that’s certainly going to bring some joy.

When we serve, we can’t help but be reminded of the love and grace of God. We can also be reminded of the importance of humility, compassion, and generosity. Serving is a powerful act of devotion, a way to express our love for God and our gratitude for His mercy and grace. The real joy we experience in serving comes from knowing that we are serving God when we serve others.

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

The Bible is full of passages encouraging us to serve. Jesus modeled the heart of a servant, from the very beginning – to His final breath on the cross.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” [Mark 10:45]

Jesus became a servant to all, and now we get to share that loving example and shine Christ’s light to those around us! Serving others with the unique gifts God has given us, whether it be through various roles here at our Church, helping a family in need, or even changing a tire for someone on the side of the road demonstrates God’s love for them.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” [1 Peter 4:10]

If you ever have that feeling of “should I help them or should I volunteer for this…” do not discount the possibility that someone was asking or perhaps pleading with God for help, and He is using you to answer that prayer!