Are you looking for ways to serve others… as a family? If you are planning to serve alone, these ideas will work, but these are ideas specifically geared so that your children can also come alongside you and help. When your children are young, they’ll do more watching than doing, but it won’t be long before they can help out more and more. Our children learn by our example, so what better way for them to learn of ways to serve others than to actually do it?
What does the Bible say about Serving Others?
Before we jump into specific ideas of ways to be of service to others, let’s look at why we need to serve others. What does the Bible say about serving others around us? Below are several verses that talk about loving and serving others.
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10 ESV
This verse specifically tells us to be about the business of doing good for others. Our children need to learn this by our example.
“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:15-17
Our faith needs to be active. Wishing someone well is not going to fill their belly or give them what they are needing. We can be of service to others when we actually do something tangible for them.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” 1 Peter 4:10
God has given us different gifts. They could be talents or skills, extra time, or money. Whatever they are, our gifts are to be used to serve God by serving others.
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” Romans 12:13-17
These verses show several examples of ways to serve others. So, what does that look like in real life? What are practical ways to be of service to others and show the love of Jesus? Read on!
What are Ways to Serve Others?
To be honest, there are so many examples of serving others! I couldn’t begin to cover them all. In fact, Volunteermatch.com has an easy way to match you up with opportunities near you. Even as a family with children, you can still find opportunities to be of service to others. For example, you can volunteer in different capacities with your church, by helping your neighbors, or by serving in your community. Let’s look at some examples of each of these.
Ways to serve at church
It is important to serve in your local church, and there are many ways you can do that, even as a family. Figure out something that will work for your family and go for it!
- Help the elderly members. This could be something as simple as a visit or sending an encouraging card along with pictures your kids drew. Perhaps you could bring some groceries, a meal, or help with some cleaning. Besides helping them, you have the opportunity to glean from their wisdom, learn what it was like to live when they were young, and teach your children to interact with people of all ages.
- Support missionaries. Most churches have some missionaries they support. You can serve by helping support them financially, committing to pray for them as a family, or working with your children to send a care package to them.
- Building care. A great way to serve your church is to help with cleaning at the church or setting up for special events.
- Helping other members. As a family, you can make and take a meal to someone who recently had surgery, had a baby, or is going through a really tough time. You could also help families with cleaning or groceries as needed. Check with your church staff for how you can help.
- Sponsor a child. I’ve been to several churches who work with a specific area and have children you can sponsor directly. However, even if your church doesn’t do that, Compassion is a great Christ-centered organization to sponsor a child through. We sponsor through them, so let me know if you have questions about it.
As moms, unless we prioritize our relationship with God, it can easily fall by the wayside. Learn more about growing closer to God. As we grow closer to Him, we become a better wife and mother as well.
How to help your neighbors
How can you help your neighbors? By finding ways to help, encourage, and support your neighbors, you are showing the love of Jesus.
- Be friendly. This may not seem like a service, but I know I always feel more comfortable with neighbors when I feel like they’re friendly and offer to help out if you need it. Be that neighbor.
- Be on the lookout. Look for little ways you can help out your neighbors. For example, while you’re bringing your trash cans in, take theirs in as well. Let them know if something is wrong like the garage door is left open. Offer to water their flowers while they’re on vacation. Little and unexpected things can be so helpful to your neighbors.
- Show hospitality. This can be tough if your spouse isn’t on board or you are quite introverted, but hospitality doesn’t have to mean throwing a block party. You could have a neighbor for a meal or just coffee, or you may choose to simply bring them a small, seasonal gift or baked good. Perhaps you can arrange a simple, outdoor ice cream social or have your own Turquoise Table.
Ways to volunteer in your community
There are SO many ways to serve in the community! What a great place to serve and show others the love of Jesus at the same time!
- Blessing bags. Have you heard of blessing bags? These are bags (anything from a ziplock to a recycled purse) filled with snacks and toiletries to give out to the homeless you see. Speaking of . . .we need to make some more of these. Oh, and you can also add a gift card and tract or New Testament if you wish.
- Pick up trash. As you go for walk around the neighborhood, be on the lookout for trash. Perhaps once a month or so you could collect trash at your local park.
- Food or toy drive. Whether you organize or just help, participating in a community food or toy drive can be a great way to serve others in the community.
- Retirement homes. Retirement homes are a great place to serve in your community. Some service ideas are getting a list of resident birthdays and bringing them a card along with a visit, visiting those who don’t get many family visits, playing card or board games with the residents, or organizing a stocking drive or Christmas caroling event during the holidays.
- Community services. Most communities have a local library, animal shelters or rescues, food banks or pantries, and other non-profits that would love your help! Just ask them what you can do to help.
- Donate clothes and household goods. Before trying to host a garage sale or sell everything on Craig’s list, consider just donating to a local thrift store. Some of these thrift stores are raising money for great purposes.
- Random acts of kindness. I think this one can really teach your children to look out for the needs of others or for ways they can be helpful. These acts of kindness can be as simple as smiling at those you pass and holding open doors, to buying lunch or coffee for a stranger. You can also look for encouraging things to say to others, or hand out little cards with verses on them.
How to Serve Others
Okay, so you’ve read about many ways you can serve others as a family. Now, how do you go about serving others? Just get started. Pick one thing from the list above that you can do this week. If something you want to do takes a bit of prep or calling around, do so and set up a time in the next week or two. Did you realize that when you serve others, it’s as if you are serving Jesus Himself? Check out Matthew 25:35-40:
“‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
What a powerful reminder of why we should be serving others and teaching our children to do the same. Do you and your family already have examples of serving others together? I’d love to hear them! If not, which one thing will you start doing?
You may also enjoy these:
- Get the Basics on Biblical Hospitality
- The Importance of Family Traditions
- Growing in the Practice of Gratitude
