"Let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth" (1 Jn. 3:18 NIV). Wow! What a command! How often do we forget to back up our feelings with good, old-fashioned action? How often do we fail to show Christ’s love to others through our behavior? I am talking specifically about caring for one another’s needs.

This reminds me of the golden rule: "Do unto others as you would have done unto you." I always thought this meant, "Don’t do things to others that you yourself would not like done to you." But it doesn’t say, "Don’t do." It does say, "Do." And that means we should actually do for others what we would like people to do for us.

More and more, I find that it isn’t all that hard to serve another. Service can be many things: from small actions like a kind word or an encouraging hug, to larger ones such as listening to another’s problems or helping with a task. Whether small or large, our actions will make a difference in the lives of those around us.

The Bible says that we are to "serve one another in love." Then it says that this command must be our law: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Gal. 5:13-14). It is no mistake that "the fruit of the Spirit" within us is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Gal. 5:22-23). These are the things that are to be displayed through our actions, and what a difference they make!

The Bible also says that we are to "serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men." (Eph. 6:7). Whatever we do for

another, we are doing for our Lord. And believe me, He notices - no matter how small a thing we do. Why? Because "we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Eph. 2:10).

Think of it: we are actually created to do good works! Praise the Lord! We are not alone in our walk with Christ. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, and it’s a remarkable privilege to have such a loving family! God has given each of us special talents, gifts, and interests, so we can serve Him. What better way than to minister to the needs of others?

Reminds One Of Tabitha

This reminds me of Tabitha (or Dorcas) in Acts 9:36-42. Though she was a woman of no special status, she was well known and loved for serving the poor and the widows by making them clothes. She used her God-given talent for His glory. What a difference we could make if we did the same!

Our Deeds Do Touch Lives.

They will be the things that people remember about us, and they might even lead others to Christ. We may never have the opportunity to be missionaries, but we can all be servants. Be encouraged today that the little things you do for the Lord and for others are worth your effort; they do make a difference. Let’s always remember the servant-like character of Christ, and mirror it in our lives.

Pastor Peter Pal      

Andhra Pradesh

Jammu & Kashmir

Haryana

Deccan Chronicle

Daily India Haryana Newspaper

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