“One of the principal rules of religion is, to lose no occasion of serving God. And since He is invisible to our eyes, we are to serve Him in our neighbor.” — John Wesley
I read this quote by John Wesley in a devotional by Dr. David Jeremiah, and as usual it got me to thinking about my own walk.
Everyday Opportunities
It is often easier to imagine serving God through church attendance, Bible studies, or ministry programs. While those things are important, John Wesley reminds us of a profound truth: the God we cannot see is often served through the people we can.
Every day God places opportunities in our path—some so small we barely notice them. A wave across the fence. A handwritten card. A meal left on a porch. A kind word to a weary cashier. These ordinary moments become sacred when they are done in love.
Jesus made this unmistakably clear.
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
When we serve others, we are serving Christ Himself.
The wonderful thing about kindness is that it doesn’t require extraordinary talent or unlimited resources. Most acts of service cost very little but leave a lasting impression.
Loving our Neighbors
Here are a few simple ways to love our neighbors this week:
- Mail an encouraging card to someone who may be lonely or grieving.
- Bring a meal to a family welcoming a new baby or recovering from illness.
- Roll a neighbor’s trash cans back to the house after pickup day.
- Pick up groceries or prescriptions for someone who has difficulty getting out.
- Bake cookies or deliver fresh flowers “just because.”
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- Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog while they’re away for the day.
- Sit with an elderly friend and simply listen to their stories.
- Leave a generous tip for a server who is working hard.
- Pray with someone instead of merely promising you’ll pray later.
- Share vegetables from your garden or fruit from your trees.
- Offer a ride to church, a doctor’s appointment, or the airport.
- Send a thoughtful text to someone who comes to mind unexpectedly.
- Babysit for young parents so they can enjoy a quiet evening together.
- Volunteer at your church or in your local community.
- Smile. Sometimes the simplest gift is acknowledging another person’s presence.
The Ministry of Handmade Cards
One of my favorite ways to encourage others is through handmade cards. Creating them is a joyful hobby, but sending them is the true ministry. A birthday, anniversary, sympathy, or “thinking of you” card tells someone they are remembered and loved. Long after the flowers fade, many people keep those cards tucked inside a drawer or displayed on a shelf because they remind them that someone cared.
The Apostle Paul encouraged believers:
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Encouragement is one of the greatest gifts we can give.
The Apostle John also reminds us that love is meant to be visible.
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
1 John 3:18 (NIV)
Reflecting the Character of Christ
Our neighbors may never hear us preach a sermon, but they will notice how we treat them. Every act of kindness reflects the character of Christ. Every meal delivered, every card mailed, every helping hand extended quietly points someone toward the God we love.
This week, I plan to ask the Lord to help me notice the opportunities He places in front of me. They may seem ordinary, but heaven sees them differently. After all, serving the neighbor in front of us is often the very way we serve the God we cannot see.