Monday: Giving & Serving Others with Love
September 8
- Scripture: Galatians 5:13 — “You, brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
- Reflection: Serve others. This is another universal value across all faiths and philosophies.
Take care of others. Be the one who addresses others’ needs, as well as attending to your own requirements. This is a form of servant leadership modeled again and again in our faith tradition. We are interconnected in this world, and we need each other.
How can you embody service in your life? Giving includes contributions of energy and funds. You should balance and budget, focusing efforts and finances on places and passions that are significant in your life. After all, where you put your time and resources shows what you value and prioritize. Make sure you are investing in causes and passions that make a difference in the world. Rather than trying to do everything, narrow down your service and donations to issues and nonprofits that reflect what matters to you.
Sometimes your support may be one-time, through an event. Sometimes it is regularly committed, on a consistent or seasonal basis, to help sustain organizations or efforts you care about.
Serving and giving should also be handled with attention to good boundaries, and also a balance for self-care. Sustainability is essential, so that you can continue to be active and present where you feel called to volunteer or make contributions. Give time and energy and material support as you are able, without endangering yourself or others emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, or economically. Be sure you can fulfill your responsibilities to your own household, as well as wherever else you give.
Yet your responsibility is to see and act beyond your own interests. To uphold the value of others lives and respond to their vulnerabilities, too. To reciprocate care and concern. - Spiritual Practice: Perform one act of kindness today—help someone, listen, extend thanks, or offer a supportive word. Make a modest donation to a cause that comes across your radar screen today. Stay alert for other viable opportunities to serve.
Song:
- You Get What You Give by The New Radicals: https://youtu.be/DL7-CKirWZE?si=QyOghPrK453JfKgQ
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill
Sept 8 Daily Devotionals