A Peace born of service
Matthew 20:25-26,28 ……
25 Jesus called them together and said “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you, must be your servant, 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
In a world that often emphasizes self-focus and personal gain, the concepts of service and sacrifice can seem counterintuitive. However, in exercising our faith, we understand the profound impact these virtues can have on our lives and relationships. Service and sacrifice are not only acts of love and compassion; they also serve as a transformative force in our own hearts.
Service goes beyond mere acts of kindness. It is the embodiment of Christ's commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves, Mark 12:30-31 ‘Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself, There is no greater commandment than these.’ When we serve others, we step outside of our own needs and desires, seeking to meet the needs of those around us. Whether it is volunteering at a local shelter, lending a helping hand to a friend in need, or actively listening to someone's pain, service bridges the gap between individuals and fosters a sense of belonging and connection.
At times, service requires sacrifice. Sacrifice implies giving up something valuable to us for the benefit of others. It may involve laying aside our own ambitions, time, or resources to meet someone else's needs. Sacrifice is not easy, but it carries with it a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. Through sacrifice, we align ourselves with Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross, while understanding the depth of love that led Him to give His life for us.
Within the context of relationships, service and sacrifice are foundational principles for fostering healthy and thriving relationships. When we prioritize the well-being of our loved ones or people we hardly know, above our own desires, we create an atmosphere of trust, love, and selflessness. A foundation built on service and sacrifice thrives because all involved continually seek to meet each other's needs, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
Furthermore, service and sacrifice are essential for personal growth and spiritual maturity. The act of giving oneself to serve others cultivates humility, empathy, and a deep sense of gratitude. It expands our understanding of the world beyond our own perspective and enhances our capability to demonstrate Christ's love to others.
Additionally, for service and sacrifice to have a lasting impact, they must come from a place of authenticity and genuine love. It is not about performing acts of service to gain recognition, validation or an obsession with glory; it is about genuinely caring for others and seeking their well-being without expecting anything in return. True service and sacrifice flow from a heart transformed by Christ's love and grace.
Prayerful Thought:
“People may doubt what you say, but they will always remember what you do. Such that, what we weave here on earth, we’ll wear in Heaven !”
“May the peace and grace of the Lord always be with you” - Dr Lee