Reading about the lives and testimonies of fellow Christians offers real-life examples of faith in action. It shows us in a tangible way how believers have navigated challenges, persevered through trials, and remained steadfast in their commitment to Christ. The Bible gives us stories to help us understand God’s plan for humanity and the transformative power of faith. His Word is true, and that’s been proven in the lives of people for centuries before us. In this post, we’re looking at a few examples from the New Testament

Luke 15:20

“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

It’s been said that “we are never more like God than when we love and forgive.” Forgiveness is the ultimate act of service, putting the needs and well-being of someone else fully above your own. It comes at a cost to the giver. Yet that example is what we see in Christ and what we see in the story of the prodigal son. This father welcomes his wayward son back with open arms, offering to cover the guilt and shame of his failures in this single gesture. He served his son well by treating him with compassion and mercy. The message for us is the same: service takes many forms, but they all come back to the heart of the gospel.

2 Corinthians 9:1–2

“Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.”

“Ministry for the saints” is the subject Paul uses to open this chapter of his second letter to the Corinthian church. Achaia, the region where Corinth was located, was so known for their “zeal” in serving others that Paul used them as an example for the church in Macedonia—and as an example for us, as well. This church’s diligence and passion for ministry “stirred up” the believers to whom Paul mentioned them, and that same spirit can encourage us today. God worked through His people then, and He does so now. And we have an opportunity to fuel our own zeal for service by considering that legacy.

Galatians 2:9–10

“When James and Cephas and John…perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”

Paul and Barnabas were commissioned with a call to serve the poor. That was something Paul was already “eager to do,” but this charge says even more about the solidarity he and Barnabas shared with those who sent them. James, Cephas, and John cared so much about caring for the needy in a tangible way that they gave special instructions about it when sending missionaries out. The heart of those going and of those sending was the same. This unity of purpose and passion speaks to the heart of Jesus, who spent His earthly ministry “doing good and healing all those who were oppressed” (Acts 10:38). Serving others and serving God go hand in hand.

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