"LOVE-FUELED SERVICE"

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

1 Peter 4:10

God's idea of the Church is simply amazing. He called imperfect individuals like you and me. He joined us together through the work of our Saviour, who freely gave up His life that took us from the kingdom of darkness to the glorious Kingdom of God. But it did not stop there. Jesus' love and concern for us go beyond our individual needs and capacities. While He loves us independently, He also loves us collectively.

Love is the reason why the Church exists. And where there is love, there is an innate desire to serve. Jesus said that our love for one another is proof that we are indeed His disciples. The ultimate expression of Jesus' love is the Cross. However, even before He sacrificed His life for our sins, Jesus served the people, most notably, His twelve disciples. They called Him "Lord," but He washed their dust-covered feet, an act reserved only for slaves.

Today's verse was written during a time when being a Christian was considered a crime. Suffering was synonymous with being a follower of Jesus. Adversity was common among believers because the Church was still in its infancy and taught things that were contrary to the ways of the world.

Peter addresses his readers to put on Christ's attitude in the midst of suffering. By willingly enduring hardship for Jesus, believers steer away from the dreary effects of sin. He tells them to show grace even to those who treat them wrongly. That's because Christian love is first and foremost, forgiving. This doesn't mean they should condone sin, but should not want to see someone hurt themselves or others.

In addition to forgiving, serving is another way believers can express their love for one another. But how? By using their spiritual gifts. Peter implies that every believer has at least one spiritual gift, which is supernaturally given by the Holy Spirit for others' benefit. This gift is not earned but received by grace.

God calls us "stewards," which means we are responsible for His resources, i.e., spiritual gifts. Technically, we do not own our gift/s, but God entrusted them to help build the Church and glorify God.

Our gifts are intended to be discovered, honed, and used to serve others and bring honor to God. Unfortunately, many of us fail to use them, and in effect, we deny the Church the blessing we're supposed to give. If we love God and His people, we will serve—and this service is fueled by love.

Pursue the Saviour today!