Guided by Grace: Vision Casting With PurposeSample
Jesus -Jesus in the Community
So many people don’t include serving the community as a part of their yearly goals. Community support will look different for everyone. Almost every time I stop at a particular convenience store, I hear the Holy Spirit make a request to show an act of kindness and pay for someone else’s purchase. When the Lord started this journey with me, I was a little hesitant. I think I may have avoided going inside a couple of times because I knew what the request would be. Service to others takes the focus off of ourselves and allows us to be a blessing to someone else, while also bringing peace into our own lives.
Jesus’s whole life was lived and ministered in this context. He formed deep relationships, selflessly served others, and provided a great demonstration of God's love in action. From His birth to His resurrection, many people witnessed His love and His desire to help the community.
There are numerous examples in the Gospels of how much Jesus served. He was known for His unwavering commitment to serving the community through acts of kindness, especially to widows and the poor. His life exemplifies how community service can be a powerful testimony of faith and love. I believe giving and helping others is how God would want us to be in the community. It builds our faith in the world and gives us hope for the future.
Here are some of the ways Jesus modeled this selfless love and dedication to serving others:
1. Being Known for Good Works
Jesus’s reputation for helping others highlights the importance of being actively involved in our communities. He built, nurtured, and led communities. He completely dedicated His life to serving those in need, showing us that community service can take many forms. His purpose was to let the world see how good God is through His acts of service. To even include the significance of raising Lazarus from the dead in John 11:43-44:
"When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen..."
This act displayed divine power over death, bringing hope and glorifying God.
2. Empathy and Compassion
Jesus was particularly attentive to the needs of widows, a vulnerable group in society. Widows were often marginalized in biblical times, lacking financial and social support. His compassion for them caused Him to take action and make a difference. Jesus’ care for them demonstrated His commitment to justice, mercy, and love.
In Luke 7:11-15, Jesus was moved with compassion for the widow's grief, restoring not only her son but also her hope and stability, as sons were often the primary support for widows.
He also criticized religious leaders who took advantage of widows, showing His protective stance toward their welfare in Mark 12:40:
"They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely."
3. The Impact of His Service
After Jesus's death, His impact was demonstrated in significant ways. Even His death on the cross was a form of serving others. His overall need to serve the community not only helped meet physical needs but also fostered deep connections.
We all have to think about the long-term effects our service can have on others. By creating support for those in need, we establish demonstrative acts of kindness that serve a purpose greater than ourselves.
All of these passages paint a picture of how our Savior’s life was marked by continuous acts of goodness, leaving a legacy of love and transformation. Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the outcast. These are still needs we see in our everyday communities. When we serve others, it enriches our own lives.
Jesus’s compassion should inspire us to:
- Donate or volunteer at food banks or shelters.
- Spend time with the elderly or those who are sick in hospitals.
- Support mental health initiatives that empower others.
If Jesus took this type of attention to people, then why wouldn’t we? His example calls us to advocate for justice and compassion, ensuring no one is left unsupported. I believe we are given an invitation to explore ways to incorporate serving the community into our lives.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the example of Jesus and His firm commitment to serving others. Show me how I can be a part of the greater good for someone in need. Teach me how to respond with compassion and love. May my acts of kindness bring hope and encouragement to those in need. As Your faithful servant, I want to reflect Your love in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About this Plan
God has a unique and powerful vision for each of our lives, but recognizing and pursuing that vision requires faith, clarity, and courage. This Bible plan is designed to help you discover and embrace God's vision for your life with grace to walk it out in eight key areas. Together, we’ll explore scriptural examples of visionaries who boldly followed God’s calling, trusting His guidance every step of the way that blessed others along the way.
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We would like to thank Self Esteem Elevated for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://selfesteemelevated.org