Serving Others Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

Servanthood is widely recognized as an effective way to shift focus from oneself to others, even during times of extreme personal difficulty, such as loss, divorce, trauma, abandonment, or others. In fact, even in secular counseling and cultural norms, many will agree that volunteerism is a common way to stabilize during a mental health crisis or seasons of overwhelm. If that is so, how much more should a Christian want to serve others? Why do you think service above self improves one’s mental health?  

Here’s why. Our Savior taught it. The very Creator of Heaven and Earth sent His Son to serve others, and He modeled it. In other words, you were created to serve. It is our purpose on the earth. First, we serve our Savior through worship and praise. Then, we serve others through His love that lives inside us.  

"But emptied (Christ) himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."
Philippians 2:7
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
1 Peter 4:10

Read the encounter of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in John 13:1-17. The beauty of his bowing down, with cloth wrapped ‘round his waist, to pour water out upon His disciples and serve them publicly is what each of us should capture. Imagine. The Savior of the world is about to be murdered on a Cross, and He knows His time is near, and yet, He takes the time to wash the feet of others. 

You may be in a difficult season right now – overwhelmed, confused, heartbroken, exhausted, frustrated, angry. You may have endured unspeakable hardship and pain. You have been treated unfairly and are in desperate need of your own services and help. Even with all that said, there will be value in your sacrifice to others. Consider this. 

Serving others gives us insight into problems that exist beyond our own.  

It gives perspective, sometimes, that our situation could be worse.  

It gives reminders that the Lord can use us, even when we are hurting.  

It sometimes gives human interaction when we are in desperate need of it. 

Servanthood brings peace, blessings, hope, and gratitude. 

So how do you serve others, when you are pressed for time and have little money and sometimes…don’t even feel like it? Here are a few ideas: 

1. Help your family. (Romans 12:10)

Serving your family includes gentleness when you are exhausted, a kind word when you have little energy to muster one, a clean home so the children feel safe, and helping with homework when you’d rather nap. You are likely doing many of these things already, but the kindness and gentleness and patience offered through the Holy Spirit are perhaps the biggest way to serve our family, beyond all the day-to-day household duties. 

2. Volunteer at church. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

Most churches have many practical ways to get involved, including greeters, clean-up, set-up, Saturday serve projects, and the like. Be willing to sign up and bring the kids along for the ride. Or consider ways you can serve others, e.g. cooking a meal for a sick congregant, cleaning someone’s home, or similar. 

3. Send someone an encouraging text, card, or letter. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Encouragement is a gift we can give that costs us nothing. Pick a friend, family member, coworker, or service personnel and offer the value of encouraging words to brighten their day. Use Scripture to reinforce their value in your life. 

4. Deliver a meal. (Acts 20:35)

When you make dinner, make an extra portion or two and offer a neighbor a bowl of soup, spaghetti, or similar. The increased costs are nominal, but the foresight to serve another family could be invaluable. Consider a busy mother, a sick friend, or an elderly neighbor who could really use it.  

5. Watch someone else’s kids. (Hebrews 13:16)

Do you know a mom who is exhausted and could use a little pampering? Do you have a family who has a sick loved one? Perhaps a dad is battling cancer? Offer to babysit their children for a few hours. It costs you nothing but time and could be a real service to an overwhelmed family. 

6. Honor others and help them shine. (Philippians 2:3)

Too often we live in a “what about me?” world where we want others to acknowledge our hard work or give us accolades, but a faithful follower of Christ knows we have all we need in Him. We don’t need the extra shine. He offers enough, as we root our identity in Him. Take the time to honor others in your life who bring value, wisdom, and kindness. Help others showcase their gifts and talents. Applaud others often. 

7. Listen. (James 1:19)

Take time to sit with your children and truly listen to them. Ask them questions and remove distractions. Hear them. Be with them. Make eye contact. Provide insight. Be genuinely interested. Ask lots of questions. Do the same for others. Be the friend and family members others value for your listening ear. This costs nothing but serves in mighty ways. 

8. Be open to serving others at any time. (Galatians 6:9)

One of the best ways to find opportunities to serve is to ask the Lord to give them to you. Ask Him to use you, even when in difficult times where you don’t want to serve. He will honor your sacrifice. 

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