“You, my 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. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Galatians 5:13-14, NIV
During their 77 years of marriage, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter became known for their service to others worldwide. They built homes for needy families, worked for human rights, helped solve conflicts, led mental health and physical health initiatives, supported education programs, and much more. Their partnership was built on love for one another and a shared love for God and his people. They could have used their valuable free time after leaving the White House for anything they wanted. Instead of using it to indulge in selfish plans, they took every opportunity to serve other people humbly in love.
The Carters’ lives reflect the message of Galatians 5:13-14, which points out that our freedom as Christians is not meant for self-indulgence but for selfless acts of love. Our freedom is an invitation to live out God’s greatest commandment – to love our neighbors as ourselves – in practical and meaningful ways.
This Bible passage is countercultural. Our world often encourages us to use our freedom to do whatever we please, whenever we please. But our freedom in our relationships with Jesus gives us another, better choice. It liberates us from sin and selfishness to live lives that reflect God’s great love. This freedom calls us to look beyond ourselves and focus on others.
The Carters could have easily retired to focus on their personal comfort and relaxation. Yet they chose to serve others. Why? Because they believed that serving others was not an obligation but a privilege. Their service was an act of worship because they loved God by loving God’s people whenever they served someone in need.
Jesus himself gave us the ultimate example of humble service. In John 13, Jesus knelt to wash the feet of his disciples. That humble task was typically reserved for servants with low status in society. By washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus showed us that true leadership is servant leadership. When we serve one another, we reflect Jesus’ heart to a watching world, and God’s love flows through us to others.
So, make service a top priority in your schedule. It just takes a small amount of effort to make a significant positive impact. You can visit a lonely friend, help a neighbor with yard work, write an encouraging note to someone you appreciate, and much more. Day by day, just ask the Holy Spirit to show you the best ways to contribute, pay attention to the ideas that come up, and then do your best to respond.
This Bible passage says that the entire law is fulfilled in the command, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” highlighting how love is the foundation of faith. But loving others isn’t always easy. It requires patience, forgiveness, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. True love sees a need and meets it. It challenges you to sacrifice time and energy for the good of others.
Loving your neighbor starts with seeing your neighbor. Who in your life is in need today? Maybe it’s a single parent who needs help with childcare, a senior craving companionship, or a coworker going through a crisis. When you slow down and open your eyes, you’ll find countless opportunities to serve and love.
What will be your legacy? Will it be a life focused on personal gain, or one that leaves a lasting impact through acts of loving service? If you focus on serving others humbly in love, you’ll experience the blessing of God’s powerful love flowing through your life!
Let’s pray:
Dear God, thank you for my freedom through your Son, Jesus. Help me to use this freedom not for selfish activities but to serve others with humility and love. Please teach me to love my neighbors as I do, to see their needs, and to respond with the love you send flowing through my life. Show me opportunities where I can serve best, and help me fulfill your good purposes for my life. Thank you, also, for the examples of people who have left powerful legacies of service in this world. Remind me of those legacies often, inspiring me to lead a life of loving service that points people to you. I love you, God. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/FredFroese
Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber
Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.
In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Friday, 19 September 2025.
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