Merriam Webster defines the word “serve” as: “to furnish or supply with something needed or desired.” Servants, then, are those who meet the needs or consider the desires of others. That’s the example we see in Christ, and that’s the path we’re called to walk as His followers. When we look to the needs and desires of others, we are actively striving to fulfill both the first and second greatest commandments: to love God with all our hearts, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Today, we’re considering a few more examples from the New Testament of Christians who have done the same.

Romans 15:26

“For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.”

Paul, writing to the church in Rome, shared about the generosity of the churches in Macedonia and Achaia, placing their giving in an immediately larger context. In fact, their charity was the reason for his trip to Jerusalem in the first place. Paul traveled there to bring “aid to the saints,” being supported financially and spiritually by individual congregations, yet all working to serve the Church. When we serve, we are helping the universal church in the same way, whether our ministry occurs locally or globally.

Acts 11:29

“The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.”

The earliest followers of Christ are remembered for their service. Their ministry occurred without compulsion; no external standards decided how or what each of them should do to help others. They served on an individual basis in both senses—identifying unique needs and meeting them as they were personally best equipped to do so. For us, the pattern is the same. God has given different resources and giftings to each person, and prayerful discernment must guide our ministry to others.

Acts 4:34

“There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”

What better picture of Christian life? No needs existing among fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, because those who have support those who lack. Mercy and kindness controlled these relationships, and that example is a wonderful picture of the gospel. Radical service (like selling land and houses to meet the needs of other believers) only makes sense when we remember that Christ did the same and more for His people.

To learn how you can be praying with us for the ministry in Haiti, visit Prayer Requests.