The Bible is always a powerful source of spiritual nourishment and a guide for our lives. Here are some passages that speak to the importance of investing yourself in service of others for you to ponder.
Romans 12:10 - "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
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. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."
Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Galatians 5:13 - "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Ephesians 6:7-8 - "Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free."
Joshua 24:15 - And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve”
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. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
Here are ideas for you as you seek to know Jesus in INVEST:
PRAY
- Thank God for the gifts and abilities He has given you. Ask for His guidance in using those gifts and abilities to serve others.
- Thank God for the people who serve in your parish and community. Ask Him to open your eyes for the courage to follow their example and serve with joy and humility.
ACT
- There are many opportunities to serve in our parish. Share your God given talents and abilities and fill out “Invest starts with I” Form here:
SMIC Invest Form: https://tinyurl.com/smicinvest
SJV Invest Form: https://tinyurl.com/SJVinvest
- Campus Clean up Day at SJV on October 11 from 9am to 12:30pm. Come and tidy up the grounds, do light landscaping, and create a more welcoming place for all. All ages and skill levels are welcome!
- Encourage others to discover their own gifts and find ways to invest those gifts in helping our parish shine with God’s love.
INSPIRE
- Let other people know about the ways that you serve others. Encourage them to join you.
- Share your own experiences of giving back — how serving others has helped you grow closer to Jesus.
Close your group meeting with:
Intersessions for the Group: Take some time to pray together for the group members.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Loving Father, we thank You for this time together and for the ability to serve others that draws us closer to You. As we consider how we might invest ourselves further in service to others, help us to trust in You with a servant’s spirit and humble heart. May our investment in service deepen our relationship with You and strengthen our faith so that we may bring others closer to You, too. Grant us the courage to make space to serve each week, and let the flame of the Holy Spirit burn in our hearts. Amen.
