I had the privilege of officiating a wedding in Galveston, Texas, and was asked to give a sermon during the ceremony. I chose to speak about how a couple can grow closer by learning to serve God together through Christlike love and service to others.
After the ceremony, the couple and many in the audience shared how much the message blessed them. It made me realize how important this idea is, so I decided to write more about how serving God together can strengthen a marriage and bring blessings to your home.
1. Follow Christ’s Example of Service
What Can You Learn from Jesus?
Jesus Himself said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Jesus shows us what it means to live selflessly. As a couple, following His example will bring His love into your relationship.
Practical Tip: Take time to pray and ask God where He’s calling you to serve. Whether it’s in your church, community, or workplace, choose to serve God together as a couple by stepping into that calling together.
2. Strengthen Unity Through Service
Why Does Serving Together Matter?
Serving together not only blesses others but also strengthens the bond between you and your spouse. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Working side by side to fulfill God’s mission deepens intimacy and builds mutual support.
Practical Tip: Choose a shared project, like volunteering at a food bank or participating in a community cleanup. These moments of growing together will draw you closer to each other and to God, helping you to serve God together in unity and purpose.
3. Start by Serving Each Other
How Can You Serve Each Other Daily?
Before reaching outward, ensure you’re serving one another within your marriage. Galatians 5:13 says, “Serve one another humbly in love.” Meeting your spouse’s needs with joy and humility creates a strong foundation for serving others.
Practical Tip: Look for small, daily ways to serve your spouse. This could be preparing their favorite meal, offering words of encouragement, or taking on a task they’ve been dreading. When you prioritize serving each other, you’ll be better equipped to serve God together in the world.
4. Embrace a Mission-Minded Marriage
What Does It Mean to Be Mission-Minded?
Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” As a couple, living with a mission mindset means recognizing your marriage as a tool for advancing God’s kingdom. Together, you can share the gospel through words, actions, and love.
Practical Tip: Consider leading a small group, mentoring younger couples, or supporting missionaries. These acts of service will help you live out your faith as you serve in impactful ways.
5. Use Your Gifts to Serve Others
How Can You Use Your Talents for Good?
God has uniquely gifted all of us children with talents and resources to bless others. 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” By discovering and using your gifts, you can glorify God and inspire others.
Practical Tip: Spend time identifying your spiritual gifts as individuals and as a couple. Then, ask how you can use these gifts in your church or community to serve God together effectively.
6. Serve with Compassion and Kindness
Why Is Compassion Important?
Compassion lies at the heart of Christlike service. Colossians 3:12 encourages us to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” As a couple, seek opportunities to extend God’s love to those in need.
Practical Tip: Volunteer at shelters, visit the elderly, or open your home to those who need encouragement. Serving with kindness brings hope to the world and joy to your marriage, helping you grow as you serve God together.
7. Pray for a Heart of Service
How Can Prayer Transform Your Service?
Prayer is the foundation of every Christ-centered marriage and service. James 5:16 reminds us, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Together, pray for wisdom, opportunities to serve, and the strength to carry out God’s will.
Practical Tip: Make prayer a daily habit as a couple. Pray for each other, for those you’re serving, and for God to use your marriage to reflect His glory. Through prayer, you’ll discover new ways to serve God together.
8. Overcome Challenges Together
What Should You Do When It Gets Hard?
Serving others can be exhausting, but Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” When challenges arise, lean on each other and God for strength.
Practical Tip: Schedule time to rest and recharge together. Taking care of yourselves will enable you to continue to serve God together with renewed energy.
9. The Joy of Serving God Together
What Are the Rewards of Serving Together?
When couples serve God together, they experience deeper intimacy, greater purpose, and the joy of knowing they are part of God’s eternal plan. Matthew 25:21 reminds us of the ultimate reward: *”Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master’s happiness!”
Practical Tip: Celebrate the victories and joys of serving together. Reflect on how God is using your marriage to make a difference in the world and to serve God together faithfully.
10. Serve God Together: The Harvest is Plentiful but the Laborers are Few
Why Is Serving God Together So Urgent?
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 9:37-38: “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” This call emphasizes the need for more willing hearts to step forward and serve. As a couple, you have a unique opportunity to answer this call and make an eternal impact. Serving God together allows you to be part of His mission, sharing His love and hope with a world that is desperate for both.
How Serving God Together Can Block Depression and Struggles.
When you choose to serve others, it shifts your focus away from personal challenges and onto God’s purpose. Acts of service fill your heart with joy and gratitude, leaving less room for negativity or despair. Isaiah 58:10 says: “If you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”
Serving God together as a couple creates an environment where hope thrives, and feelings like depression, anxiety, and isolation lose their power. By working side by side to bless others, you invite God’s healing into your own hearts and home.
Practical Steps to Serve God Together in the Harvest
- Pray for Direction: Ask God to show you where He is calling you to serve. Whether it’s through local outreach, mentoring, or missions, stay open to His leading.
- Act as a Team: Find ways to serve that you can do together, such as volunteering, supporting community projects, or hosting a Bible study.
- Reflect on God’s Work: Keep a journal to document the ways you see God moving through your service. Reflecting on these moments will strengthen your faith and increase your joy as you serve God together.
What Does It Mean to Serve God?
Serving God means dedicating your time, energy, and talents to honor Him and fulfill His purposes. It can include helping others, spreading His Word, and living in a way that reflects His love. Serving God isn’t just about big actions; it’s also found in the small, daily choices to love, forgive, and live with integrity.
What Does Romans 12:11 Mean?
Romans 12:11 says, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” This verse reminds us to stay passionate and committed in our service to God. It encourages us not to lose our enthusiasm for Him, even when life gets hard. Serving God isn’t meant to feel like a burden but should flow from a joyful and willing heart.
What Are the 7 Ways to Serve the Lord?
- Pray: Talking to God is an act of service that helps align your heart with His will.
- Share the Gospel: Telling others about Jesus spreads His love and message.
- Help Those in Need: Whether it’s feeding the hungry or comforting someone who’s hurting, serving others is a way to serve God.
- Use Your Gifts: God has given each of us talents to use for His glory, whether it’s teaching, singing, organizing, or encouraging others.
- Give Generously: Supporting your church, missions, or those in need is a way to serve God through your resources.
- Live Out Your Faith: Your daily choices—how you work, speak, and act—can reflect God’s love to the world.
- Serve Together: Working as a team with your family, spouse, or church community can amplify the impact of your service.
What Does the Bible Say About Serving Together?
The Bible encourages serving God together as a way to build unity and strengthen relationships. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” When we serve together, we not only accomplish more, but we also grow closer to each other and to God.
Serving together reflects the heart of God, who values community and partnership. It’s not just about doing more—it’s about supporting one another, sharing in the joy of serving, and being an example of Christ’s love to the world.
Let me just encourage you.
The harvest truly is plentiful, and the world is full of people in need of God’s love. By answering His call and choosing to serve God together, you can be part of His transformative work. As you grow in love for one another through your shared mission, you’ll also grow in your relationship with Him, bringing hope and blessings to those around you.
Let’s bow our hearts in prayer.
Lord of the harvest, thank You for inviting us to serve You together. Open our eyes to the needs around us and guide us to the places where we can make the greatest impact. Strengthen our hearts and renew our spirits so we can serve You with joy and faithfulness. May our efforts bring glory to You and light to the world. Amen.
