Servant’s Heart by Mayada Naami

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

(1 Peter 4:10-11, NIV)

The servant’s heart is demonstrated by helping others, with love in one’s heart, without expecting anything in return. We are called to serve one another as Jesus served others and God—with humility, love, and compassion. Galatians 5:13 says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Serving others, in appreciation of the blessings God has gracefully given us, will glorify Him.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

(Ephesians 4:1-10, NIV)

Each one of us should use whatever gift we have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace. Romans 12:6-8 tells us, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Whatever we do, we must do with a servant’s heart, wholeheartedly, as if we are serving the Lord.

Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

(Ephesians 6:6-10, NIV)

Do you serve others wholeheartedly, as if you are serving the Lord?

Reflect

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Prayer

Lord, humble my spirit so that I can serve others with love and compassion, without expecting anything in return. Help me to live a life worthy of the calling I have received. Amen.