Serve One Another

Serve One Another

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

1 Peter 4:10

The Amish know that serving one another brings interdependence, which is what God intended when He created us to work together as the body of Christ. Nancy Sleeth, author of Almost Amish, writes:

The Amish understand that the key to a joyful life is simple: serve God and serve your neighbor. Interdependence can be more holy than independence. But how does that play out?

The Amish serve their children by doing the hard work of parenting, teaching them the skills and habits that will make them healthy spouses, colleagues, and neighbors. Instead of short-term distraction or coddling, they aim for long-term character and strength.

Through example, they show how caring for grandparents is a joy, not a burden. Likewise, service to neighbors and coworkers is treated more as an opportunity than an obligation. And service to one’s own faith community is a chance to follow the example of Jesus, one act of compassion at a time.

Nancy also offers these Almost Amish service tips:

• Join a small faith group, not for what you can get but for what you can give.
• Adopt an elderly neighbor, single mom, or jobless friend, and look for ways you can help fill the gaps.
• Gladly lend tools, sports equipment, and other little-used items. If it comes back in less-than-ideal shape—or not at all—consider it a donation to a good home.

Take a moment and write a list of your own service projects. Consider things you naturally like to do, and figure out a way that you can do those things to bless another person.

Dear heavenly Father, I’m amazed how blessed I feel when I give. You pour in as I pour out.