Free to Serve
Scripture Reading — 1 John 3:11-24
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
An old saying advises, “Put your money where your mouth is.” The underlying meaning is that if we believe in something or if we believe something is wrong, we should not just talk or complain about it; we should take action to support the cause or to fix the problem.
This is what the apostle John teaches about love. Love is not some idealistic concept to sit around and talk about. Love is shown to be real by our actions.
Love can get messy. Love sees the hurt and the brokenness in our world and takes action. Love goes out and serves others.
At the cross, Jesus took action to show the greatest love of all. He gave up his life for us, and he also instructed his followers to go out and demonstrate sacrificial love for others. The resurrection of Jesus empowers believers with the joy and freedom to live by his love.
God’s love fills us with a desire for honesty, integrity, humility, justice, and respect for all people. Jesus’ resurrection power frees us to go out and share the burdens of people who are suffering, to spend time with people who are lonely, and to seek justice for those who are persecuted and oppressed.
As you celebrate freedom in Christ through the resurrection, let God show you where you can serve and show his love today.
Lord Jesus, fill us with your love, justice, mercy, and compassion. Give us eyes to see the world as you see it, and give us the courage to serve others in your freeing love. Amen.
About the author — Laurie Zuverink
Laurie Zuverink is an ordained pastor who has served in several capacities of ministry in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area. Her work ties into the lives of young people, and her passion is to empower and equip the next generation of servant leaders. Pastor Laurie and her husband, Mark, have three children—one in grad school, one in college, and one in high school. Pastor Laurie enjoys deep conversations, bike rides, exploring the shores of the Great Lakes, and watching well-played soccer.
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