Kirsten Holmberg
Our Daily Bread Ministries
https://odb.org/
All rights reserved-Published with permission

Serving with Love

Bible in a Year :

• Jeremiah 46-47
• Hebrews 6

Use whatever gift you have received to serve others.

1 Peter 4:10

Today's Scripture & Insight :

When Krystal first started work at a Virginia coffee shop, she served a customer named Ibby. Because Ibby is hearing impaired, he placed his order using a typed note on his phone. After Krystal learned Ibby was a regular customer, she determined to serve him better by learning enough American Sign Language so he could place his order without writing it down.

In a small way, Krystal showed Ibby the kind of love and service Peter encourages us all to offer one another. In his letter to believers in Jesus who’d been scattered and exiled, the apostle indicates that they ought to “love each other deeply” and use their gifts “to serve others” (1 Peter 4:8, 10). Whatever skills and abilities He’s equipped us with are gifts we can use to benefit others. As we do, our words and actions can bring honor to God.  

Peter’s words were especially important to those he wrote to, for they were experiencing a season of pain and isolation. He encouraged them to serve one another during the time of distress to help them bear up under their trials. Though we may not know the specific pain another person experiences, God can help us to show empathy as well as graciously and cheerfully serve one another with our words, resources, and abilities. May God help us serve others as a reflection of His love.

By:  Kirsten Holmberg

Reflect & Pray

When have you experienced the kind of hospitality Peter encourages? Who could you serve with your words, skills, and resources today?

Father, please help me to serve those around me with all that You’ve given me.