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I believe you would agree with me that the bible is filled with great verses about volunteering and serving others. It’s an inspirational read, for certain, and goes back as far as time… before any of us walked this earth. The bible can help you realize just how small you are… while also giving you the belief and faith you need to accomplish big things.
A teacher was once explaining the purpose and meaning of our lives here on the earth. In one of his many points, he asked: Does an apple tree eat its own apples?
The answer was “no”. Apple trees grow to be large and beautiful and become so fruitful that others can come and enjoy the fruit produced from the tree. The tree also becomes a place of shade and shelter in its limbs and under the shadow of its leaves. Statements like these are a wonderful way to reflect on the purpose of everything and everyone.
No matter where we are in life, we are truly blessed if we can be a blessing to others. To remember the poor, those less fortunate and lend a hand when needed can be something you’ll never forget… nor will they.
At Christmas time, there is much talk about random acts of kindness. However, according to scripture, there are several bible verses about volunteering, acts of kindness, and serving others being a regular occurrence, not just random.
(Side note: One of the best ways to increase your happiness and life satisfaction is to plan your day, so you focus on your TOP goals. To get started, watch this free video that details the 7-minute habit for planning your day to focus on what's important.)
What You Will Learn
- Why it's important to volunteer and serve others.
- 1. Proverbs 3:27
- 2. Proverbs 19:17
- 3. Proverbs 22:9
- 4. Acts 20:35
- 5. 1 John 3:18
- 6. Galatians 6:2
- 7. Matthew 5:42
- 8. Romans 12:13
- 9. Matthew 5:16
- 10. Philippians 2:4
- 11. John 15:12
- 12. Titus 3:8
- 13. Luke 12:33,34
- 14. Hebrews 13:1,2
- 15. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
- 16. Colossians 3:12
- 17. Colossians 3:23, 24
- 18. Matthew 25:40
- 19. Matthew 25:45
- 20. Mark 10:45
- 21. Luke 3:10,11
- 22. Luke 6:38
- 23. Hebrews 13:16
- Final Thoughts About Volunteering and Serving Others
Why it's important to volunteer and serve others.
We honor God when we serve others. His desire was for us to use our diverse types of gifts from Him to benefit those around us. 1st Corinthians 12:4-6 says,
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone, it is the same God at work.”
Each of us has something unique that we offer. It is also vital to note that we will receive different results, but what is most important is that we volunteer and serve.
Much good fruit dies on the tree if there is no one to come and eat if it. We have so many great qualities about us that our creator gave. All of which to serve a purpose outside of ourselves.
For instance, your compassionate heart, positive attitude, and the desire to defend those who are the underdog all come from a deeper purpose to serve others.
We volunteer our services out of that same compassion and love for others. It is so woven into the fabric of our being. We find great fulfillment and joy in serving for nothing (no monetary gain).
To break this down even further, we’ve compiled 23 Bible Verses about Volunteering and Serving Others.
1. Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act.”
A motto I strive to live by. So many of us have the power to lend a helping hand and be there for someone in need.
2. Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
Our acts of love and charity don’t go unnoticed by the creator. He will bless us for blessing others.
3. Proverbs 22:9
It is not a bad thing to be generous. Generous people will live a blessed life.
4. Acts 20:35
“I've left you an example of how you should serve and take care of those who are weak. For we must always cherish the words of our Lord Jesus, who taught, ‘Giving brings a far greater blessing than receiving.”
Be strong for someone who is weak. Giving your time, effort, and energy is a far greater blessing.
5. 1 John 3:18
“Beloved children, our love can't be an abstract theory we only talk about, but a way of life demonstrated through our loving deeds.”
Actions speak louder than words. What a blessing we are when we demonstrate our love through service. To take action and get out of our comfort zones check out this article, it will provide some much needed motivation.
6. Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
We are most Christ-like when we look to help someone suffering and need a friendly hand.
7. Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
A genuinely compassionate heart doesn't want to see others do without. So when we give as we are able, God will reward us, even if the money borrowed is never repaid.
8. Romans 12:13
Some people just need an act of hospitality. For instance: If your neighbor broke his leg, offer to mow his grass. If they have been sick, take them some chicken noodle soup. Hospitality never goes out of style.
9. Matthew 5:16
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
God gets glory when we are selfless in volunteering and serving others. It shines a light on Him and His love for humanity as we do.
10. Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Serving others is meant to be an automatic response to someone in need.
11. John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
God's love for us is selfless, so we are commanded in scripture to show others the same unconditional love.
12. Titus 3:8
“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”
As people devoted to God, our desires are to do good toward others through volunteering and acts of service. It is profitable for all parties involved.
13. Luke 12:33,34
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near, and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
When we give to the poor and less fortunate, we store up treasures for ourselves in heaven, showing our hearts' condition.
14. Hebrews 13:1,2
“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing, some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
It is not always the easiest thing to volunteer to help a stranger. We are not familiar with them or their motives. However, this verse encourages us to show hospitality to them as we would our own family because who knows, that stranger could be an angel.
15. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Money is fleeting, here today, gone tomorrow. We never know what a day may bring in this life. God should be our trust, not our personal wealth. We should be willing to share our time and resources, people who are known for our philanthropy.
16. Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
We should wear compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience toward others as we would wear a shirt or pair of pants each day as we leave home.
17. Colossians 3:23, 24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Our acts of service toward others shouldn’t be halfhearted, or as if it was an act of kindness we were doing for an employer or person we dislike. Instead, we should volunteer and serve as if we were doing it for God. Then, he will reward our service.
18. Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
When we serve the poor, needy, and others who need help, it is as if we are doing it unto the Lord.
19. Matthew 25:45
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”
When we decline an opportunity to serve others in need, it is as if we are refusing to help the Lord.
20. Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Just as the Lord came to earth to serve others, we are most like Him when we have a heart of service. The Lord laid down His life to pay the ransom for our sins. So we, too, should be willing to pay the price of inconvenience to bless someone else.
21. Luke 3:10,11
It doesn't have to be an extravagant thing that we give to others. Likewise, volunteering to help our neighbors doesn't have to take all day. Just the smallest gesture can make a world of difference.
22. Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Scripture reminds us that God desires to bless us for our acts of service to others. Usually through someone else blessing us in return. If we give sincerely and generously, that level of generosity will be given back to us in the same measure.
23. Hebrews 13:16
Lastly, we are reminded again how God is pleased with us when we serve others.
Final Thoughts About Volunteering and Serving Others
Bible verses are given to us as a roadmap to help us successfully navigate through life. As you see, many Bible verses support volunteering and serving others.
Feel free to look up these verses for yourself and others at Biblegateway.com They provide a searchable online Bible with over 150 versions and 50 languages.
Jesus tells His disciples in Matthew 26:11 that “You will always have someone poor whom you can help.” That has been His intention for us. Just as Jesus went around doing good when He was here on the earth with humanity, He desires for us to be His hands and feet today. Doing good and serving our fellow man or woman in need.
May these scriptures serve as the blueprint for those looking to thrive in life as a good neighbor, friend, family member, employee, church member, Christian, and overall happier human.
Finally, if you want to increase your happiness and life satisfaction, then watch this free video that details the 7-minute habit for planning your day to focus on what's important.
