Serving others is mentioned in a variety of biblical passages. One of them is Galatians 5:13: “Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
Ultimately, Jesus is our example. He was serving others non-stop. He washed his disciples’ feet. He healed people. He cast out demons. He taught. He went to the cross for you and me. All of these activities were a form of servanthood.
Recently, I heard Jon Thompson talk about servanthood. What he said really resonated with me so I wanted to share it with you. At first, his words seem a bit harsh. In the end, however, I think they actually provide some perspective and motivation when it comes to serving others, especially when it feels difficult.
Here’s the quote: “If you’re not experiencing little deaths while you’re serving, you’re not serving.”*
When he says “little deaths,” he’s referring to the small sacrifices and pains that accompany serving others. Perhaps you have to sacrifice your time or energy. Perhaps you have to endure the difficulty of going out of your comfort zone, giving up your personal preferences, or navigating challenging people. These are, in a sense, “little deaths.”
Again, this is patterned on Jesus who lived a life of self-sacrifice. When we serve others, it costs us something. If we never have to give anything up, are we really following Jesus’ pattern of self-sacrificial love?
Here’s why this is motivating. When we experience fatigue, problems, or difficulty when serving others, we can easily conclude, ‘Well, I guess this isn’t for me.’ But not so fast. Experiencing “little deaths” along the way just might be an indication that you are being faithful and carrying a cross in the footsteps of Jesus!
Yes, we also need to take time for rest and refreshment. Otherwise, we may burn out and be less effective in the long run. So let’s serve others, but be smart about it.
Today, let me end by focussing again on Paul’s phrase: “through love serve one another.” Notice the connection between love and servanthood. Since God has loved us, we love and serve one another—when it feels natural and happy, and even when it doesn’t.
Notes:
-The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on July 20, 2026.
-*At the Restoration Prayer conference, Sanctus Church, Ajax, ON, June 3-4, 2026.
-Bible quotes, ESV.
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