Daily Devotion: Serve One Another

Scripture:
Galatians 5: 13-18

Main Verse:
Galatians 5: 13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

Observation:
God called us to be free.

Most of the time, when we hear the word "freedom," we think about being free to do whatever we want to do. We usually say, "This is my life. I am entitled to do as I please," or "I own this body. I can do whatever I want to do with it," or "I don't ask anyone for favors, so I do not also need to do favors for anyone." Sounds familiar? Then we could be suffering from "me-syndrome." Galatians 5:13 reminds us that God gave us free will--the ability to act at our own discretion--BUT that does not mean we will use that freedom to yield to our desires. The last sentence in verse 13 reminds us that we should not use our freedom to satisfy the desires of our flesh but to serve others in all humility and love.

Application:
God called us to serve others because it is the only way we can show that we have love in our hearts. If we say that we love our neighbors but we do not serve them, then how can we say that we truly love them? True love is manifested in service. Even if the person is not pleased with what we do for them, we must continue to serve. The Lord Jesus Christ showed us the greatest example of servitude when He sacrificed Himself on the cross for others so that we can be saved. And He did not choose who to serve. He did not exclude who He wants to save. He did not say He will only save those who are good. He offered His life for everyone, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life!
If we have not yet served others, let us do so by having a selfless and humble heart. If we are already serving others, let us examine our hearts and check our motives for serving. Our reason for serving others should always be rooted in our love and gratitude for what Jesus Christ did for us.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for being our Greatest Servant despite being God. Your sacrifice on the cross for the redemption of my soul and the forgiveness of my sin is more than enough. Thank you for letting me understand the importance of serving others. May I be able to serve everyone that you love, not only my brothers and sisters in Christ. Empower me, oh Lord, and give me a servant's heart. This I pray in your Mighty Name. AMEN.