Serving our brothers and sisters in Christ is a central tenet of Christian faith and practice. There are several interconnected reasons why it's considered essential:
1. Following Jesus' Example and Command:
* Jesus Was a Servant: Jesus explicitly identified Himself as a servant. He washed the disciples' feet (John 13:1-17), demonstrating humility and selfless service. He said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)
* The Greatest Commandment: Jesus identified the greatest commandment as loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). Serving others is a practical expression of this love.
* Specific Instructions: Jesus directly instructed his followers to care for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized (Matthew 25:31-46). His teachings strongly emphasize acting compassionately toward those in need.
* The Model of a Servant Leader: He wasn't just a servant *to* people, but he led by serving. He showed that true leadership isn't about power and authority, but about selflessness and caring for others.
2. Fulfilling Our Calling as Christians:
* Part of the Body of Christ: The church is described as the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). Each member has different gifts and roles, but all are vital, and they need to work together to function effectively. Serving one another helps the body function as it should.
* Spiritual Gifts: God gives spiritual gifts to believers for the purpose of serving and building up the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:6-8). Using these gifts to serve others is fulfilling our God-given purpose.
* Growth in Christ: Serving others helps us grow spiritually. It helps us develop qualities like humility, compassion, patience, and love. It forces us to look beyond ourselves and our own needs.
* Discipleship: Serving others is part of being a disciple of Jesus. It's not just about believing in him, but also about following his example and living out his teachings.
3. Demonstrating God's Love to the World:
* Witness to Non-Believers: Our acts of service can be a powerful witness to the world. When people see Christians caring for one another and for those in need, it can draw them to Christ (Matthew 5:16).
* Living Out the Gospel: Serving others is a tangible way to show the love and compassion of Christ to the world. It's putting our faith into action.
* Breaking Down Barriers: Serving transcends social, economic, and cultural barriers. It brings people together and creates unity.
4. Building Up the Church:
* Strengthening Relationships: Serving together builds strong relationships within the church. It creates a sense of community and belonging.
* Meeting Needs: Service helps meet the practical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the church members.
* Promoting Unity: When everyone is contributing and serving, it creates a more unified and harmonious church environment.
* Creating a Culture of Love: Service fosters a culture of love and compassion within the church, where people feel cared for and supported.
In Summary:
We serve our brothers and sisters in Christ because:
* It's what Jesus commanded and modeled.
* It's how we fulfill our purpose as Christians and use our gifts.
* It's a way to demonstrate God's love to the world.
* It's essential for building up and strengthening the church.
Serving isn't just a nice thing to do; it's a fundamental part of what it means to be a Christian. It's an expression of our love for God and for one another, and it's essential for living out our faith in a meaningful way.