Serve One Another
Galatians 5:13

Freedom is one of the great themes of the gospel. Yet Paul guards us from misunderstanding it when he writes: “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” (Galatians 5:13).

Christian freedom is not freedom from obligation, but freedom for love. We are released from sin’s tyranny so that we might gladly give ourselves for the good of others. Service is not a contradiction of freedom; it is its truest expression.

Pineland Baptist has long been sustained by this quiet, faithful service. Congregations like ours survived not because of wealth or influence, but because ordinary believers served without fanfare. Wood was chopped, stoves were lit, buildings were repaired, meals were shared, and children were taught the Scriptures. Much of this labour went unseen, but it was the scaffolding God used to preserve gospel witness across generations.

Service is often hidden. It does not seek recognition. It does not wait to be asked. It simply asks, “How can I help?” and then acts. In this way, service protects the church from becoming consumer-driven and keeps it oriented toward love rather than preference.

Christ himself sets the pattern. “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Every act of Christian service draws its meaning from that greater service, where Christ gave himself fully and freely for us.

In the life of the church, service may look like volunteering behind the scenes, caring for children, visiting the lonely, setting up chairs, or simply showing up faithfully week after week. These acts may feel small, but they are precious in the sight of God and essential to the health of Christ’s body.

Consider where the Lord may be calling you to serve. Not to earn favour, but because you already have it in Christ. Freed by grace, may we gladly give ourselves for one another, reflecting the servant-hearted love of our Lord.