Choosing the Line of Love in Service
Summary
This week, we reflected on the impact of serving others, both within our church and in our daily lives. The recent VBS was a vivid example—though exhausting, it was a powerful reminder that even when parents drop off their kids for a break, those children are encountering the love of Christ through the actions of volunteers. Many testimonies begin with a simple VBS invitation, and it’s often the first place a child learns that someone truly cares for them. This is the heart of Christian community: not just gathering for ourselves, but pouring into others, especially the next generation.
We’ve spent the last several months exploring what it means to be a healthy church, which really comes down to being healthy Christians. The reality is, community is hard. Our human nature pulls us toward criticism and gossip—the longest lines in the “lines of life.” But Jesus calls us to something deeper. Each of us must ask: What line am I standing in? The line of criticism, gossip, or the lines of involvement, encouragement, help, and love? The line we choose reveals the true state of our hearts.
Serving others is not just for those with obvious “servant” jobs. Every vocation, every act, is an opportunity to serve. When we see our work as service, it transforms our perspective and brings purpose to even the most mundane tasks. In the church, the same principle applies: we get out of our faith what we put into it. If we want to see transformation, we must move beyond passive observation and step into active participation.
Jesus modeled this for us. He didn’t come to criticize or gossip, but to rescue, to serve, to love—even those who were crucifying Him. True love is revealed not when it’s easy, but when it’s hardest to give. Loving our enemies, helping when it’s inconvenient, encouraging when it’s costly—these are the marks of a healthy Christian and a healthy church. The invitation is to step out of the lines that feed the flesh and into the line of love, where Christ Himself stands, inviting us to follow His example.
Key Takeaways
- The lines we choose—criticism, gossip, involvement, encouragement, help, or love—reveal the true condition of our hearts. It’s easy to stand in the lines that feed our flesh, but Christ calls us to examine ourselves honestly and intentionally choose the lines that reflect His character. Self-examination is the first step toward spiritual growth and authentic community. [35:27]
- Serving others is woven into the fabric of human existence, whether we recognize it or not. When we shift our perspective from “what do I get out of this?” to “how can I serve?”—even in our daily work—we begin to reflect God’s design for our lives. Every act of service, no matter how small, becomes an act of worship and a testimony to God’s love. [32:46]
- Criticism and gossip are subtle but destructive forces in the church and in our relationships. They often masquerade as harmless venting or concern, but they break trust, sow division, and hinder the work of the Spirit. True spiritual maturity is marked by a willingness to confront these tendencies in ourselves, to seek reconciliation, and to use our words to heal rather than harm. [39:25]
- The call to love is not limited to those who are easy to love. Jesus commands us to love our enemies, to do good to those who oppose us, and to show mercy even when it costs us. This kind of love is not weakness—it is the very strength of Christ, demonstrated most powerfully on the cross. Real love is revealed when it is hardest to give, and it is in these moments that we most closely resemble our Savior. [55:28]
- Active involvement, encouragement, and help are natural outflows of a heart rooted in Christ’s love. When we truly stand in the “love line,” we will find ourselves drawn into deeper service, genuine encouragement, and sacrificial help for others—not for recognition, but because Christ’s love compels us. The health of our church and our witness to the world depend on our willingness to move from passive spectators to active participants in God’s mission. [47:50]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - VBS Reflections and Gratitude
[03:10] - The Importance of Serving Children
[05:30] - Prayer and Opening
[07:00] - What Makes a Healthy Church
[09:15] - The “Lines of Life” Illustration
[12:00] - Serving in Everyday Life
[15:00] - What Line Are You In?
[17:30] - The Lines That Feed the Flesh
[20:00] - Criticism, Gossip, and Their Dangers
[23:00] - Getting Involved for the Right Reasons
[26:00] - The Power of Encouragement
[28:00] - Helping When It’s Inconvenient
[31:00] - The Challenge of Loving Our Enemies
[34:00] - Jesus as Our Example of Love
[37:00] - Invitation to Step Into the Love Line
[40:00] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “What Line Are You In?”
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 25:31-46 (The Sheep and the Goats)
- Romans 14:10 (“Why do you pass judgment on your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”)
- Luke 6:32-36 (“Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back…”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 25:31-46, what are the main differences between the sheep and the goats? What actions set them apart?
2. According to Romans 14:10, what warning does Paul give about judging others? [39:25]
3. In Luke 6:32-36, what does Jesus say about loving those who are hard to love? What extra steps does He call us to take?
4. The sermon described several “lines” people stand in: criticism, gossip, involvement, encouragement, help, and love. Which lines did the pastor say are the most crowded, and which are the smallest? [31:29]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus uses the image of separating sheep and goats in Matthew 25? What does this say about the importance of our actions toward others?
2. The pastor said, “The line that you choose tells the truth about your heart.” What does this mean in light of Romans 14:10 and the call to self-examination? [38:13]
3. Jesus commands us to love our enemies and do good to them (Luke 6:32-36). Why is this kind of love so difficult, and what does it reveal about our relationship with Christ? [55:28]
4. The sermon mentioned that criticism and gossip are “lines that feed the flesh.” Why are these so tempting, and what damage can they do to a church community? [39:25]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor asked, “What line are you in right now? What line do you want to be in? What line should you be in?” Take a moment to honestly answer these questions for yourself. What is one step you can take this week to move toward the “love line”? [35:27]
2. Think about your daily work or routine. How might your perspective change if you saw every task as an opportunity to serve others, not just yourself? Can you name a specific way to serve someone this week, even in a small way? [32:46]
3. Criticism and gossip can sneak into our conversations easily. Can you recall a recent time when you participated in or overheard gossip or criticism? What could you have done differently in that moment? [39:25]
4. The sermon said, “If you’re not willing to say something to someone’s face, try not to say it behind their back.” Is there someone you need to talk to directly, or a situation where you need to seek forgiveness or reconciliation? [41:31]
5. Jesus calls us to love our enemies and do good to those who oppose us. Is there someone in your life who is hard for you to love? What is one practical way you can show love or mercy to them this week? [55:28]
6. The pastor shared that real love is revealed when it’s hardest to give. Can you share a time when you loved or helped someone even though it was inconvenient or costly? How did that experience impact you? [47:50]
7. The health of our church depends on moving from being passive spectators to active participants. What is one area in the church or community where you feel called to get more involved? What’s holding you back, and how can the group support you in taking that step? [47:50]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help each person in the group step out of the lines that feed the flesh and into the line of love, following Jesus’ example in every area of life.
Devotional
Day 1: The Line of Criticism—Choosing Grace Over Judgment
Criticism is often the easiest line to stand in, but it is usually rooted in pride and a desire to feel superior to others. Instead of pointing fingers or venting under the guise of honesty, followers of Christ are called to remember that Jesus Himself did not come to criticize or condemn, but to rescue and restore. Before passing judgment or complaining, consider how you might become part of the solution, reflecting Christ’s humility and love. [39:25]
Romans 14:10 (ESV)
"Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God."
Reflection:
Is there someone you have been quick to criticize or judge this week? What would it look like to approach them with humility and grace instead of criticism today?
Day 2: The Power of the Tongue—Healing or Hurting the Church
Gossip can sneak into conversations and quickly damage trust, relationships, and the health of a church community. While it may seem harmless, Scripture warns that gossip is a serious sin, on par with other destructive behaviors. Instead of spreading rumors or secrets, strive to be trustworthy and use your words to build up, not tear down, remembering that your speech has the power to either heal or harm the body of Christ. [41:31]
Ephesians 4:31 (ESV)
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice."
Reflection:
Think of a recent conversation where gossip or negativity crept in—how can you intentionally redirect future conversations to encourage and protect others instead?
Day 3: Getting Involved—Serving with the Right Heart
True discipleship is never passive; God calls His people to devote themselves to good works and to actively serve others. However, involvement should not be motivated by recognition or self-promotion, but by a genuine desire to reflect Christ’s love. When you serve with authenticity, especially in ways that may go unnoticed, you demonstrate the kind of love that draws others to Jesus and builds a healthy church community. [44:10]
Titus 3:14 (ESV)
"And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful."
Reflection:
Where is God inviting you to step off the sidelines and get involved this week? What is one act of service you can do today with a pure heart, expecting nothing in return?
Day 4: Loving Beyond Comfort—The Call to Love Your Enemies
Jesus commands His followers to love not just those who love them, but even their enemies—doing good, showing mercy, and expecting nothing in return. This kind of love is difficult and countercultural, requiring us to lay down grudges, crucify our egos, and stop keeping score. True love is revealed when it is hardest to give, and it is through this sacrificial love that the world recognizes us as Christ’s disciples. [55:28]
Luke 6:32-36 (ESV)
"If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."
Reflection:
Who is one person you find difficult to love right now? What is one practical way you can show them kindness or mercy this week, even if it feels uncomfortable?
Day 5: The Line That Leads to Life—Choosing Love as Your Identity
Ultimately, the line you choose to stand in reveals the truth about your heart. Jesus demonstrated the greatest love by choosing to die for us while we were still sinners, showing that real love is not just words but sacrificial action. As new creations in Christ, we are called to make love our defining characteristic—stepping out of lines of criticism, gossip, and self-interest, and into the line of love that leads to true life and community. [59:22]
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Reflection:
As you reflect on your life today, what “line” are you truly standing in? What step can you take to more fully embrace love as your identity and let it shape your actions and relationships?
Quotes
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