The Purpose of Servanthood: An Act of Love

In a world where self-importance and personal ambition are often celebrated, servanthood may seem counter-cultural. The concept might also appear counterintuitive. Yet, at the heart of true servanthood lies a profound and powerful force: love. When we understand and embrace servanthood as an act of love, we align ourselves with the greatest commandment. We follow the ultimate example set by Jesus Christ. 

A Biblical Perspective on Servanthood 

In Matthew 20:27-28, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the essence of true greatness. He declares, "And whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Here, Jesus underscores a revolutionary idea: that the path to greatness is paved with humility and selfless service. 

But why is love the driving force behind true servanthood? To answer this, we can look to another teaching of Jesus in Matthew 22:37, where He summarizes the greatest commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." He follows this with the second greatest commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." These commandments place love at the very core of our faith and actions. 

From a humanistic and carnal perspective, taking the lowly and humble position of servant feels like humiliation. Jesus consistently acted as a servant. He demonstrated honor and showed how serving elevates the servant in the eyes of God. Love is sacrificial by nature. This compels a person to serve others. The pattern and standard have been set by Jesus. 

Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Servanthood 

Jesus’ life was the epitome of love-driven servanthood. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. He healed the sick and comforted the brokenhearted. Every act of service was a manifestation of His profound love for humanity. The ultimate demonstration of His love was His sacrificial death on the cross. He gave His life as a ransom for many. His selfless act of love brought redemption and hope to the world. 

What is amazing about Jesus is that his mission was primarily focused on his people, the Chosen of Israel. However, there were moments when his servanthood extended beyond that call. The Centurion called on him and Jesus responded (Matthew 8:5-13). A woman from Canaan approached him regarding her demon possessed daughter. Jesus initially stated that it was not for him to act at that time because of his mandate. However, her faith moved his heart to serve (Matthew15:21-28). We also see what happens when he encounters the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-29). 

Love: The Heartbeat of Servanthood 

We mirror the example of Jesus when we serve others out of love. We fulfill His command to love one another in this way. Servanthood that comes from love does not seek recognition or reward. It focuses on putting the needs of others above our own. It is about genuinely caring for their well-being. Love transforms our actions from mere duty to heartfelt service. 

The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in 1 Corinthians 13:3. He states, "If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." Love is what gives our service meaning and purpose. Without love, even the most generous acts are empty and hollow. 

You can tell the difference between a person who serves with love and a person that serves avoid of it. Have you seen a nurse who takes pride in her work? She treats a patient with the utmost care, sympathy, and compassion. There have been many times when I’ve had to be admitted into the hospital for treatment and care. You can feel the difference in the care provided by a nurse who loves what they do.  

Love moves that nurse to see the patient as more than a daily task to be completed. The nurse who loves their work views the patient as a human in need of assistance. They help the patient through their time of weakness back to a place of strength and recovery. 

Have you seen a man stop in the rain to help a stranded woman with children, whose car broke down? He’s not seeking reward or payment. His heart is moved because he understands that she represents someone in desperate need. He is more than able to provide what she needs. Love won’t let him ignore her need. 

Tangible Expressions of God’s Love 

Our acts of servanthood become tangible expressions of God's love working through us. We live out the love that Jesus commanded us to show when we feed the hungry. We also do so by visiting the sick or extending a hand of friendship to the lonely. In doing so, we become vessels of God's grace and compassion in a world that desperately needs both. 

When people tangibly see the love of God expressed, it can have a profound and transformative impact on their lives. Witnessing acts of divine love can strengthen individuals' faith and deepen their spiritual connection. Experiencing God's love provides hope, especially during challenging times, and reassures individuals that they are not alone. God's love can bring emotional healing, helping people recover from past traumas, hurts, and anxieties.  

Ultimately, tangible expressions of divine love often inspire people to extend that love to others. This extension fosters stronger and more compassionate relationships. 

Conclusion 

Servanthood, rooted in love, is a powerful testament to our faith and obedience to Christ's teachings. As we strive to serve others with genuine love, we reflect the heart of Jesus. We also bring His light to those around us. Let us remember that true servanthood is an act of love. Let love be the driving force behind all that we do. 

We fulfill the greatest commandment in this way. We embody the essence of Christ-like servanthood: to serve. We love and give, just as He did.