“Many people have the misconception that being “called” by God is something only missionaries, pastors, nuns, and other church leaders experience. But the Bible says everyone is called to serve God by serving others (thelife.com).”
While we at Pathfinders Pastoral Care Ministries believe that we are called to serve, because He served, we also understand the emotional, spiritual, and mental benefits it can have on an individual.
Encourages & Inspires Others
According to Mental Floss, “One study found that people are more likely to perform feats of generosity after observing another do the same. This effect can ripple throughout the community, inspiring dozens of individuals to make a difference.”
Your generous act – no matter how small – can encourage others to do the same.
Beyond the inspiration you can bring to others, you can also bring it to your children and family. By giving back and serving others, you teach future generations the importance of performing selfless acts.
Improves Physical & Mental Health
“Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not (helpguide.org).” Depending on the type of work, volunteers tend to be more physically active by walking or completing hands-on tasks, are less likely to develop high blood pressure, and have better thinking skills. Volunteering has also been linked to reduced symptoms of chronic pain and a lower risk of developing heart disease.
Serving others can also help combat feelings of depression. Volunteering can provide you with a support group of individuals who care about helping others. “Nothing relieves stress [and feelings of anxiety] better than a meaningful connection to another person (helpguide.org).”
Creates a Sense of Purpose
We raise children, advance our careers, and build our lives. But sometimes, after children are grown or we go through a life-changing experience, we lose our passion for life. For many, serving others reignites that sense of purpose. By seeing the joy and positive impact we can have on others, we realize that the world is bigger than ourselves and our lives.
Ways to Give Back Amid COVID-19
With social distancing and safety precautions in place, many people may want to serve others during this challenging time but are unsure how. We understand this, but we also know that now more than ever, positivity and servitude can bring us together and move us forward.
“This is a unique opportunity for the Church (that’s everyone who follows Jesus) to be the Church. This is a time for us to love God by loving others. This is an opportunity for us to be a light in the darkness (life.church.com).”
We all have our own gifts and something to offer the world. Take a minute to consider what you bring to the table. Maybe it’s the gift of music, or food, or art. Serving others isn’t about how extravagant or large the action is; it’s about impacting the lives of others in a positive way.
Every believer has received grace gifts, so use them to serve one another as faithful stewards of the many-colored tapestry of God's grace. - 1 Peter 4:10.
Pathfinders Pastoral Care Ministries encourages you to find ways to serve others, even during these challenging times; the smallest act can have the biggest impact.
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