Service to Others

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone — especially to those in the family of faith.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”

Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.