Love Outloud

Jesus gave us an example to follow in John 13. He exhorts us as His disciples to serve others the way He first served us (John 13:15-16). What did you learn this week about servanthood?

Andres T. – This week, I was able to experience the blessing and joy that come from serving the Lord. While servanthood may bring fatigue or even discouragement, He strengthens us and uses us through servanthood. It’s an opportunity to experience Christ’s sovereignty and to be a part of His work for His kingdom.

Charlene D. – This week we had the opportunity to serve at La Gran Fiesta and through that the Lord was able to minister to me about what it means to serve. I can’t pride myself in the work I do because ultimately it’s the Lord’s work and I’m just a vessel. We came to Oaxaca to be servants, we did not come to be exalted; servanthood takes humility. Serving can take a toll on me physically, spiritually, and emotionally, but the Lord’s work takes priority over whether I’m “feeling it” or not. There’s so much joy to be found in laying down your life for others, and there’s so much joy I’ve found in serving this past week.

Jared R. – This week I was able to learn that servanthood and being called to serve is something that we are all called to. God wants those with humble hearts to come to Him; those are the only people He is able to work in and through because that’s when His will is able to be done. Serving takes humility, and the act of constantly laying everything you are down to help others. There is seriously no other joy than to be able to humbly serve others out of love, so that we can bless others and let God get all of the glory.

Leigh Anne Z. – This week I learned that there is no greater joy than laying my life down to serve God and serve others. It is not easy to be a servant because it requires me to give my all, and then when I think I have nothing left to give, give some more. Servanthood produces humility by taking my eyes off taking care of my needs and taking care of the needs of whoever God has placed in front of me. It is a beautiful privilege to be able to love others sacrificially with the love God has shown me through Jesus Christ.

Marissa H. – Jesus is our example on how to live. He’s the perfect example that we can’t measure up to. I learned that it’s hard to put others’ needs before mine and to serve even when I don’t feel like it. When I feel like sending the crowd away, I need to welcome them in; put my selfishness away and serve.

Neil C. – As I have heard it said, “everybody wants to be a servant until they are treated like one.” Being a servant and choosing to love others while expecting nothing in return is not of ourselves, it is the grace of God which is with me. God has called me to love others and by this all will know that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Sophia P. – This week we had the opportunity to serve at La Gran Fiesta in Oaxaca, Mexico. We got to prepare the property before everyone arrived and then serve during La Fiesta. Something I learned this week about servanthood is that it’s not that difficult when you’re motivated by love, not my love because that will always grow weary, but the love of Christ. He has given us the perfect example in His Word, through His life. Through serving motivated by His love I was able to love others, those I was serving and those who were serving alongside me. As a result, I’ve made lifelong friends and family who I’ll cherish forever.

Zachary G. –This week was an incredible opportunity to follow Jesus’ example of loving people in Oaxaca, Mexico. As I continued to reflect and apply the things that I learned in the pervious weeks, I was able to serve from the heart alongside my team. As we worked in the background, it was powerful to experience the joy of serving without needing recognition. Additionally, I was very encouraged by the people who saw glimpses of us serving and shared how evident our love, humility, and obedience were to them.