Daily Devotionals
October 7, 2021
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14
In August 2020 I had Covid-19. Fortunately I had a mild case, running a fever for a couple of days, a slight cough, and fatigue that lasted for several weeks. I’m thankful that I never lost my sense of taste or smell, but I know many who did. Others have had it far worse than I did. I’m thankful for a few people who loved me and my family through the challenges that Covid-19 brought. When I returned to good health, I wanted to do something to help others. I chose to donate convalescent plasma. Before vaccines were available, doctors sometimes gave plasma from a patient who had recovered from Covid as a therapeutic treatment for others who were hospitalized and gravely ill. For many, this therapy was a gift that helped bring healing. I don’t share this story seeking compliments or accolades. It was a very small thing to do, requiring a couple hours of my time every three weeks. I gave because, as a survivor, I wanted to be part of something bigger than me. I gave as a testament to all people who are kind and gentle and care for others, who lovingly look to the needs of others instead of demanding their own rights or freedoms. I gave because it reminded me that there is hope in the midst of brokenness and that God is still redeeming and restoring our lives and, indeed, restoring the world. Serving someone in love is never about you or what you get from it (although there is joy and contentment you receive as result). Serving someone in love may mean making a sacrifice. It may mean giving up something or putting someone else’s needs ahead of your own. Serving someone in love likely means stepping out, taking a risk, and even pushing the boundaries. When Paul says “serve one another in love” and when Jesus says one of the two greatest commandments is “love your neighbor as yourself,” I am quite certain that neither is merely making a suggestion. Paul and Jesus are not telling us that serving and loving others would be a good idea. Instead, they are giving us commands. And I have a deep desire to be obedient to the things God instructs me to do.
For Reflection
Do you know someone who has consistently modeled what it looks like to serve others in love? What did that person do?
What is one specific action you could take this week to put the needs of others ahead of your own in order to serve them in love?
Prayer
It isn’t easy, Lord, to love my neighbor. It isn’t easy to serve them in love. But I want to do so out of obedience to You. Give me courage and strength to serve in a way that honors You. Amen.
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