“Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.”
Romans 15:2-3
The call to serve others selflessly may sound radical—yet, this is the very heart of Christ. He didn’t live to please Himself or to seek comfort, as clearly seen through His shame and, ultimately, His death on the cross for our sakes. His entire earthly mission was marked by sacrifice, humility, and unwavering love.
To serve beyond self means to look past your needs and notice the burdens of others. It means choosing inconvenience when someone else needs help. It is giving when you’d rather hold back. It is listening when you’d rather be heard.
Serving others makes us more like Christ. It builds stronger communities and reflects the Gospel in action. The day you begin to serve beyond self is the day you stop asking, “What’s in it for me?” and start asking, “What can Christ do through me?”
Charge: Today, ask the Lord to open your eyes to someone’s needs and give you the grace to meet them.
Further Study: Mark 10:43-45; John 13:14-15; Romans 12:10-11; Galatians 5;13, 6:2; Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Peter 4:10.
