Examples are powerful. One of the best ways we learn is by watching other people and imitating what they do, and the Bible gives us practical examples for that reason. We see good and bad models in the pages of Scripture, and those stories give us a framework to consider as we live our own lives. Today, we’re looking at some examples from the New Testament of people who served others well.

Luke 10:33–34
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.”

The Good Samaritan is one of the first examples that comes to mind when we think of “service.” He saw a need “as he traveled,” in the midst of living his own life. He had goals and things to accomplish, but when he noticed someone who was hurting, he made that his priority. The Good Samaritan is not just an example of remarkable generosity, but of faithfulness in the ordinary. He acted on an opportunity that arose in the course of his normal life. God used him right where he was, and he was responsive to God’s leading.

Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Paul spoke these words to the church at Ephesus. He mentions the example he had shown them personally, with the goal of encouraging them to act in compassion and generosity toward others. Paul’s model is Jesus, who told us that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” By mentioning his own service to the weak, Paul is saying (as he so often did), “follow me, as I follow Christ.” When we consider the examples of saints who came before us, we are doing the same.

Acts 16:33
“At that hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.”

Immediately after hearing the gospel, the Philippian jailer acted in mercy toward the disciples by washing their wounds—caring for their practical needs. It’s compelling to think about the proximity between the two events. The first sign of this man’s conversion, even before his baptism, was his heartfelt service to his fellow Christians. Our hearts and our lives should testify to the same compassion, knowing that the only reason we care for others is because we have been so loved by God.

Praise God for using His church to show His love for the world.

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