“Servants of Jesus are first responders to the needs that afflict or attack the Body of Christ.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 2, 2026
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13
Richard Foster writes in his book (formative in my early walk with Christ), Celebration of Discipline, “Nothing disciplines the inordinate desires of the flesh like service, and nothing transforms the desires of the flesh like serving in hiddenness. The flesh whines against service but screams against hidden service. It strains and pulls for the recognition of others.” Simon Sinek describes this idea with a twist: “There is a difference between offering a service and being willing to serve. They both include giving, but only one is generous.” Yes, love willingly serves.
Soldiers in Christ’s army enlist to serve others. They serve at their Savior’s pleasure and unselfishly serve fellow servants of the Lord. Servants of Jesus are first responders to the needs that afflict or attack the Body of Christ. No one should wait to be drafted because salvation in Jesus assumes service. Serving others extends love, builds humility, and expresses Jesus. Love is the motivation for Christ-centered service. We volunteer at church, whether in the parking lot, the nursery, or by leading a small group, because we love. We clean up the kitchen after a meal because we love. We manage home finances, wash clothes, cook, do yard work, help a child with homework, visit a sick friend, give a gift, and write a caring note because we love. Love cannot not serve. Our service says, “I love you!”
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).
Serving others is stewardship for God. He has blessed you with resources to serve others. He gave you a house to host guests. He gave you a car to provide transportation for those who need a ride. He gave you time to invest in others: their children, their spiritual lives, their financial needs, their health, or their emotional well-being. Your selfless service benefits you. You feel fulfilled when you fill another’s emotional cup. Your faith grows when you strengthen another’s belief in God. You become a candidate for service from others as they seek to show gratitude to God and to you. You serve not to benefit or be served, but caring yields that outcome. So, serve others for Christ’s sake and watch Him work. You serve Jesus by serving others!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, whom can I lovingly serve for You with my time, talents, and treasure?
Application
Today, ask the Lord one question: whom can I serve? Then act on the first name that comes to mind. Meal, note, ride, prayer, cleanup. Small service, offered in love, matters.
Related Reading
Deuteronomy 10:12; Jeremiah 35:15; Matthew 6:24; 1 Peter 4:11
Worship Resource
Shane & Shane: Psalm 90 (Satisfy Us With Your Love)
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
