Foundations of Faith: What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?Sample

Serving Generously

Now that your new life in Christ has begun, what do you do in response?

In the early church of the book of Acts, the believers lived in close community with one another and constantly cared for and served each other. If there was a need, someone was able to fill it.

Today, the same principle of serving others stands. God’s Church is made up of believers across the globe and is often referred to as the body of Christ. This is God’s kingdom here on Earth. Each community of believers is called the local church. Whether they meet in a home together or a large building, the purpose is to glorify God, be in community with fellow believers, and serve and reach those who are in need.

So many people in your community and around the world have basic needs that aren’t being met, and many don’t know Jesus.

God chose you to be part of His body of believers. He has a plan and a purpose for you. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus explains that when you serve others, you are serving Him:

“'For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”

No matter if you serve within your church or a local community group, when you put others’ needs first and help them, you are serving God. When we serve in His name, it doesn’t matter how big or small the task may seem — God will do mighty things! God sees your heart and is using you to help others.

God has gifted each of His children with spiritual gifts, and He calls each of us to serve Him in different ways at different times with these gifts. “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other” (1 Corinthians 12:7).

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. "Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10).