Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)
Serve One Another
More and more Canadians take care of friends, family members, and loved ones of all ages living with a mental health problem, whether they live together at home or not. Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be tiring, overwhelming, confusing, and stressful. Many caregivers feel obligated to put the needs of others before their own. Yet, when you make the time to take care of yourself, you can help avoid burnout, isolation, depression, anxiety, and other problems that caregiving might bring up.
***
Offering God praise is more than singing songs on a Sunday morning. We offer praise to God in how we live our lives and how we relate to one another. The apostle speaks to this in 1 Peter 4:10-11: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” God has given each of us gifts that He calls us to use to bless others within the body of Christ. As a follower of Jesus, we are called to serve others, just as Jesus did. As we do, not only do we bring blessing to those we serve, but Peter here tells us that God is praised through Jesus Christ. You have a wonderful opportunity today to serve others and praise God. Use the gifts He has given you to do so.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley