What Does the Bible Say About Serving Others?
The towel and the basin — greatness that stoops to serve.
The Bible makes serving others central to following Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45), calls us to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13), and says that what we do for the least, we do for him (Matthew 25:40).
Following the Servant King
Jesus redefined greatness as service, washing his disciples' feet and giving his life for others. To follow him is to pick up the towel — to use our freedom, gifts, and strength for the good of others.
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
By love serve one another.
Serving Christ in the least
Scripture says that serving the hungry, the stranger, the sick, and the imprisoned is serving Christ himself. Even small, unseen acts of service are noticed and treasured by God.
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these... ye have done it unto me.
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another.
Quick answers
- Why should Christians serve others?
- Because we follow a Servant King, because it's how love acts, and because in serving others — especially the least — we serve Christ himself. Service is faith in work clothes.
- How can I start serving?
- Begin where you are: notice the need in front of you, use the gifts you have, and serve someone this week without expecting anything back. Small, faithful service is where it starts.
- Is serving others how I earn God's love?
- No — God's love is a gift, not a wage. We serve because we are already loved, not to earn it. Service is the overflow of grace received, not a way to buy it.
