Serving One Another Changes Everything | A Biblical Approach to Stronger Relationships

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve..." — Mark 10:45 (NIV)

Have you ever heard of Spiritual Gifts?

If not, I encourage you to spend some time reading Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 12. These passages remind us that God has uniquely equipped each believer to serve Him and others.

My husband Seth has the spiritual gifts of helps and serving.

I do not.

Trust me on this one.

You cannot out-serve my husband. He is absolutely amazing at noticing what needs to be done and quietly taking care of it. Don't get me wrong—his feet are still made of clay. He has a few flaws, like leaving lights on all over the house. But serving others? That's one of his superpowers.

For many people, serving sounds difficult.

To some, it may even feel beneath them. It can seem like serving makes you less important, less valued, or less significant.

Nothing could be farther from the truth.

The world's message is often "me first."

God's message is different.

Christ is our example.

Jesus Showed Us What Serving Looks Like

Jesus came to serve.

And what an example He gave us.

He healed the sick.

He listened to the hurting.

He fed the hungry.

He washed the feet of His disciples.

He reached for those society ignored.

He saved Peter when he was sinking.

Most importantly, He willingly gave His life for us and rose again so we could have eternal life.

Jesus demonstrated that serving isn't weakness.

Serving is love in action.

A Servant's Heart Can Be Learned

Now here's the good news.

You don't have to possess the spiritual gift of serving to develop a servant's heart.

If you struggle with putting others first...

If you cringe at the thought of "washing someone's feet"...

If being last in line sounds like a terrible idea...

You're not alone.

I understand.

When I first took a Spiritual Gifts assessment as a very young believer, I scored a big fat zero in mercy.

Serving and helps weren't much higher.

Let's just say God had some work to do.

Over the years, however, I've discovered something important.

A servant's heart isn't simply a gift.

It's also a choice.

The more I fell in love with Jesus, the more I wanted to become like Him.

The more I focused on His example, the more willing I became to put others before myself.

Serving didn't become easier because my personality changed.

Serving became easier because my perspective changed.

God slowly transformed my heart.

And He can do the same for anyone who asks.

James 4:6 reminds us:

"God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."

The world tells us to climb higher.

Jesus teaches us to kneel lower.

And strangely enough, that's where the blessings are found.

Not because we're trying to earn God's favor.

But because we're becoming more like Christ.

God often does His deepest work in us when we choose humility over self-promotion.

Love Looks Like Action

Today, I want to challenge you to do one act of service.

Do something unexpected.

Or perhaps do something expected without being asked.

Make the coffee.

Take out the trash.

Fold the laundry.

Send the text.

Run the errand.

Offer the encouragement.

Not for praise.

Not to keep score.

Not so someone owes you one later.

Do it simply because love serves.

Do it because that's what Jesus did.

Do it because serving is one of the most practical ways we can demonstrate God's love to the people around us.

Whether it's your spouse, child, friend, parent, neighbor, or coworker, someone in your life could use a little extra kindness today.

Let's be extraordinary Christians.

Let's love one another through serving.

You may be surprised how one small act of service changes not only someone else's day—but your own heart as well.

🌳 Waypoint Challenge

This week, choose one person and perform one act of service without being asked.

• Make the coffee.

• Take out the trash.

• Fold the laundry.

• Send an encouraging text.

• Run an errand.

• Pray for someone and let them know.

Don't do it for recognition.

Don't do it to keep score.

Do it simply as an expression of love.

Then pay attention to how serving changes both the relationship and your own heart.

Recommended Resources

🎙️ Marriage After God Podcast

Aaron and Jennifer Smith discuss biblical marriage, teamwork, serving one another, and growing together in faith. Their practical, Christ-centered conversations are encouraging for couples in every season of life.

🎙️ Better Together: Christian Marriage & Parenting

A husband-and-wife podcast focused on strengthening marriages and families through biblical principles, communication, and intentional living.

📖 Scripture Study

Spend time reading and reflecting on these passages:

• Romans 12:6-8 — Spiritual Gifts

• Mark 10:45 — Jesus Came to Serve

• Galatians 5:13 — Serve One Another Humbly in Love

• Philippians 2:3-4 — Putting Others Before Ourselves

🌳 Continue Your Journey

For a complete overview of the seven principles that strengthen extraordinary relationships, read The Field Guide to Extraordinary Relationships: 7 Principles That Strengthen Marriages, Families, and Friendships.

Question for Reflection

Who can you serve this week in a practical way that demonstrates Christ's love?