Week 25: How does serving others help me to follow Jesus?

Jesus set the perfect example of living each day with the humble heart of a servant – always helping people. If we say we are followers of Christ, then of course we should follow His example. Let’s find out how to serve our family, church, neighbors, and community by doing good deeds.

Be ready to read the following passages:

Let’s start it.

How has someone helped you recently? How did it make you feel?

Let’s learn it.

Placing your faith in Jesus cannot be separated from doing good things. The Gospels tell us again and again how Jesus went out of His way to help people. It doesn’t make sense for a Christian to talk about believing in Jesus and then not follow His example. James, the half brother of Jesus, understood the importance of putting faith into action. Read what he said about helping other believers in James 2:14-17.

Does saying, “Be warm” or “Be full” help a cold or hungry person? Of course not! Being Christ-like means looking for ways to help. For your faith to be healthy, you have to unselfishly act on what you believe. It might mean taking time away from something you want to do or giving something you have away. You can also help by sharing your God-given abilities to help family and friends (1 Peter 4:10).

Acting on your faith not only helps people with their physical needs, it also helps them spiritually. Doing something good in the name of Jesus stands out like a light in the darkness. Check out how Jesus used that illustration in Matthew 5:14-16.

What do you do when you want to see in a dark room? That’s right – you turn on a light. It’s the same with your faith in Jesus. Followers of Christ should shine like a bright city on a hill that can be seen from far away in the darkness. We are the light of the world! Our good deeds bring praise and honor to our heavenly Father and help unbelievers to see Jesus more clearly. That’s why we do things like collecting canned food and coats for needs in our community. Every time you choose to help in the name of Jesus, you shine His light into the world.

So you see, doing good deeds is simply finding ways to put your faith into action. Good deeds can be small, everyday things or really big one-time events. Serving your family, church, neighbors, and community is something that every follower of Christ should do. Helping someone by sharing the blessings and abilities that God has given to you honors Him and points people to His Son – Jesus.

Let’s discuss it.

  1. How can you serve members of your family through small, everyday good deeds?
  2. What big, one-time good deed would help another person in your church?
  3. How can you go out of your way this week to help people in your neighborhood or community? How can that good deed point them to Jesus?

Let’s do it.

The best place to start doing good deeds is right inside your own home. Sadly, we’re often the most selfish around the people we love the most. Be determined to help one member of your family each day this week. Before you know it, you’ll have a new habit. Who knows – you might even enjoy your time together more!

Also pay attention to the needs of people outside your home. Take time to really listen when a friend has a problem, and then look for ways to help. If someone in your church or neighborhood is sick, your family might be able to take that family a meal. Or, you could help a widow or single mother with something like yard work. Jesus helped to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of all kinds of people. As His followers, we should do the same. Remember this week – YOU are the light of the world!