Yesterday I threw in a word that is gold when it comes to our ability to practically love those God is trying to reach. The word today is “credibility.” Yesterday we looked at how listening helps us gain credibility. Today we want to look at how the simple act of service helps us build value and credibility in our relationships.

 

It’s been around for years, but it’s still true: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

 

There are many verses in the Bible that talk about service, but few are as clear and concise as these words from Jesus:

 

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12 NIV)

 

We call that “the Golden Rule.” Jesus lets us in on a very pragmatic and practical aspect of love. Treat people the way you’d like to be treated. Simple.

 

Throughout your day look for opportunities to serve. We’re not talking about waiting around until The Huge, Epic service opportunity comes your way and it gets plastered all over billboards. I’m just wanting us to look for the little things, the practical things that demonstrate we care. 

 

Here’s a short list, then you take it from here:

*Hold the door open for more than just the person you’re with.

*Help someone with a package or a box they are struggling with.

*Volunteer to assist a teacher, co-worker or friend with something they’re doing.

*Mow a neighbor’s yard, wash their car, carry in their groceries, etc.

 

Prayer thought:

Lord, as I spend every day with you, I ask that you would increase my faith. PLEASE LORD, help my faith to become action by revealing to me what that looks like each day. Help my focus to be on you and your people, that I would not be too busy to see the opportunities that are right in front of me. Opportunities to love your people, sacrificially. 

 

“The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'” (Mathew 25:40 NIV)