Serving Others

Pastor Paula White

The Bible challenges those who believe in God to make themselves "living sacrifices" - fully giving themselves to serving God and other people (see Romans 12:1).

In order to help someone, you must see yourself as having something to give! That's what ministry is. Ministry isn't necessarily a full-time job as a pastor or evangelist or counselor. Ministry is getting outside of yourself, and giving to bless another person.

The Bible instructs us to think of giving and serving in this way:

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. - 2 Corinthians 9:12

Although you may not realize exactly what you have to give, it's important to know that once you've confessed Christ as Lord, been forgiven of your sins, and developed a good relationship with God, you have a lot to give!

For one thing, you're able to give others the truth of God's forgiveness - a gift of hope that's truly valuable. When you take the attitude, "If God can forgive me, He can forgive anybody," you are fully equipped to share His message of hope -- a life-changing message you are able to share with any willing listener!

I once heard of a woman who'd come out of the drugs-and-free-sex culture of the 1960s. She'd used drugs and had a couple of abortions -- then she heard about God's forgiveness and accepted it for her life. She became part of a church, and after about six months the pastor realized that most of the church's new members had joined because of her. He asked her, "What is it that you say to people? You're one of the best recruiters we've ever had!"

She answered, "Not much; I just tell people, 'I was really messed up and Jesus cleaned me up. He forgave me and gave me a brand new start. Isn't that great?' When some of them asked me, 'Do you think Jesus can give anybody a brand new start?' I said yes -- and invited them to come to church."

This woman had a twenty-three-word message to share. She didn't quote the Bible or offer deep theological answers. She didn't go on and on about how badly she'd been messed up. She cut to the chase with good news...shared her heart and dozens of people experienced God's forgiveness as a result.

You can use your testimony in Christ to bless others as well. It will be your service in the name of the Lord, as you personally carry out the Great Commission, and share the Good News of God's forgiveness. And that's a gift that's really worth giving!


A life coach, author, and highly sought after motivational speaker, Pastor Paula White is the host of her own television program -- Paula Today, which reaches an audience of 2.3 billion people worldwide, spearheading a number of global humanitarian efforts. Her mission in life is to Transform Lives, Heal Hearts and Win Souls. For more information about Paula, log onto www.paulawhite.org.

*Pastor Paula White is a 2009 StreamingFaith.com Guest Columnist.

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