Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:14-17
Jesus calls us to show love and serve one another. We grow in faith and discipleship by engaging in acts of service. These acts of service require us to humbly put aside our own needs and focus on the needs of others.
We serve because Jesus came ‘to serve and not be served’. Jesus’ example shows us that he was here to show care, concern and compassion for others and that it was done in love.
Serving together is a powerful way to build connections. Family life provides a foundational setting for the development of a life of service. Both children and adults are more likely to have a strong growing faith when their family serves others together.
“The cross-generational bond takes place not only in the service event, but also in the retelling of the event through the years.” David Anderson
Congregations that nurture young people and allow them to be involved in serving opportunities find that the young people stay engaged in the church. When we serve together it develops community. Acts of service are also a great way to create and develop important intergenerational relationships.
