Serving Others: The Healing Power of Community

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out to others in love and service. This is what I refer to as "Horizontal Jesus," where the body of Christ acts on His behalf to touch lives for good. When we do this, we experience the truth of Luke 6:38, where the blessings we give to others return to us in abundance. This concept was vividly illustrated through the story of our dear friends, Donnie and Courtney, and their son Nathan, who tragically passed away at the age of 17. Nathan was a beacon of light, a leader who loved the Lord and brought others to Him. His sudden death was a profound loss, not only for his family but for all who knew him.

In the wake of this tragedy, my husband and I felt an overwhelming need to be present for our friends. Despite the logistical challenges, a community of friends and family came together to make our journey possible. This collective effort was a testament to the power of community and the importance of being there for one another in times of need. Each person played a specific role, whether it was arranging flights, providing childcare, or offering emotional support. Their actions were not grand gestures but simple acts of service that made a significant impact.

This experience reminded us that we are all interconnected, each with a unique role to play in God's plan. When we step up and serve others, we not only fulfill our purpose but also bring comfort and hope to those in need. Our presence at Nathan's memorial was not just about offering support to his family; it was also about receiving the blessing of community and shared grief. In serving others, we find healing and strength for ourselves.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Community: In times of grief and loss, the support of a community can be a profound source of comfort and strength. Each person has a role to play, and when we come together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of others. [03:36]

2. Horizontal Jesus: Acting as the hands and feet of Jesus means reaching out to others in love and service. When we do this, we experience the blessings of giving, as described in Luke 6:38, where the good we do for others returns to us. [00:25]

3. The Importance of Presence: Sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can offer is our presence. Being there for someone in their time of need can provide comfort and show them they are not alone. [04:09]

4. Interconnected Roles: We are all connected, and each of us has a specific role to play in God's plan. By stepping up and serving others, we fulfill our purpose and make a difference in the world. [04:43]

5. Finding Strength in Service: Serving others not only helps those in need but also brings healing and strength to ourselves. In giving, we receive, and in serving, we find purpose and fulfillment. [02:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - Introduction to Horizontal Jesus
- [00:59] - Friendship with Donnie and Courtney
- [01:32] - The Tragic News
- [02:09] - Grieving and the Need to Be Present
- [02:43] - Community Support and Travel Arrangements
- [03:10] - Arranging Childcare
- [03:36] - The Power of Coming Together
- [04:09] - Comfort in Presence
- [04:43] - The Impact of Serving Others

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 6:38

Observation Questions:
1. What does the concept of "Horizontal Jesus" mean according to the sermon, and how does it relate to Luke 6:38? [00:25]
2. How did the community come together to support Donnie and Courtney during their time of loss? [03:36]
3. What specific roles did individuals play in helping the pastor and her husband be present for their friends? [04:09]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the idea of "Horizontal Jesus" challenge traditional views of serving others within the church community? [00:25]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that serving others can lead to personal healing and strength? [02:09]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the interconnectedness of individuals within a community, and what implications does this have for fulfilling God's plan? [04:43]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were part of a community effort to support someone in need. How did it impact you personally, and what did you learn from the experience? [03:36]
2. Identify a specific way you can act as the "hands and feet of Jesus" in your community this week. What steps will you take to make this happen? [00:25]
3. Consider someone in your life who is currently experiencing grief or loss. How can you offer your presence and support to them in a meaningful way? [04:09]
4. Think about a role you can play in your community that aligns with your unique gifts and talents. How can you step up to fulfill this role and make a difference? [04:43]
5. Reflect on the blessings you have received from serving others. How can you cultivate a mindset of giving and service in your daily life? [02:09]
6. What are some practical ways you can strengthen the sense of community within your small group or church? How can you encourage others to participate in this effort? [03:36]

Devotional

Day 1: The Strength of Community
In times of grief and loss, the power of community becomes a profound source of comfort and strength. Each person within a community has a unique role to play, and when individuals come together, they can make a significant impact on the lives of others. This interconnectedness allows for shared burdens and collective healing, as seen in the story of Donnie, Courtney, and their son Nathan. The community's response to Nathan's passing was a testament to the importance of being there for one another, demonstrating that even small acts of service can have a lasting impact. [03:36]

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community is currently experiencing a difficult time, and how can you offer your support in a tangible way today?


Day 2: Embodying Horizontal Jesus
Acting as the hands and feet of Jesus means reaching out to others in love and service. This concept, referred to as "Horizontal Jesus," emphasizes the importance of serving others as a reflection of Christ's love. When we engage in acts of kindness and service, we experience the blessings of giving, as described in Luke 6:38, where the good we do for others returns to us. This reciprocal nature of service not only benefits those we help but also enriches our own spiritual journey. [00:25]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one person in your life who could use a helping hand. What specific action can you take this week to serve them in a meaningful way?


Day 3: The Gift of Presence
Sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can offer is our presence. Being there for someone in their time of need can provide immense comfort and show them they are not alone. This was evident in the response to Nathan's passing, where the presence of friends and family provided solace to his grieving family. The act of simply being present can be a powerful expression of love and support, reminding others that they are valued and cared for. [04:09]

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone who might be feeling isolated or alone. How can you intentionally be present for them this week, even if it's just through a phone call or visit?


Day 4: Embracing Our Interconnected Roles
We are all connected, and each of us has a specific role to play in God's plan. By stepping up and serving others, we fulfill our purpose and make a difference in the world. This interconnectedness was demonstrated through the collective efforts of the community in supporting Donnie and Courtney during their time of loss. Each person's contribution, no matter how small, played a vital role in providing comfort and support. [04:43]

"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your unique gifts and talents. How can you use them to serve others and contribute to your community in a meaningful way?


Day 5: Finding Strength in Service
Serving others not only helps those in need but also brings healing and strength to ourselves. In giving, we receive, and in serving, we find purpose and fulfillment. This was evident in the story of Nathan's memorial, where the act of serving others provided healing and strength to those who participated. By focusing on the needs of others, we can find a sense of purpose and fulfillment that enriches our own spiritual journey. [02:09]

"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." (Proverbs 11:25, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a recent act of service you performed. How did it impact you personally, and what did you learn about yourself through the experience?

Quotes


Hello, I'm Dr. Tony Evans, and when I'm asked, "What does horizontal Jesus mean?" I explain that it refers to the body of Christ acting on Jesus' behalf to touch the lives of others for good in His name. And when we do that, Luke 6:38 becomes our experience, where it boomerangs back to us so that we experience the good that we have done for others. [00:00:01]

Nathan was 17 years old, their oldest son. He had a personality that drew people to himself. He was a leader. He loved the Lord. He brought friends to the Lord. When that kind of light walks into a room, everybody brightens up. He was that kind of kid all his life. [00:01:06]

Part of the grief that we felt had to do with, number one, grieving for this boy that we love, number two, grieving for these parents whom we love, and number three, projecting, because as parents you automatically go, "What if that were me." [00:01:54]

I told my sons... I told my sons that Nathan is okay because he's with the Lord; we're the ones who are not okay. We're the ones who will have to live on without him. We know that we had to go. We had to be there, both of us. It was just our friends. We just had to go. [00:02:11]

All of these things came together so that we could be there for our friends. Our trip would not have been possible without all these people coming together and doing exactly what they were able to do for us so that we could be there for them. [00:03:32]

If all these things had not come together, we would have merely sent a card and grieved alone. Going there helped us just as much as it helped them. This boy was special to us, so it meant everything for John and I to be there. [00:03:47]

And seeing their reaction—it wasn't anything special. I think just comfort in the midst of this horrible situation. These friends who stepped up, they each had a specific role that they could play and they did, and that's the kind of people this world needs. [00:04:03]

Those are the kinds of choices that each of us can make to serve people. You never know that you might have that one little part to play in a big picture, and it'll make all the difference. We are all connected. Each of us has a specific role to play. [00:04:20]

When we step up, we make a big difference in the lives of somebody and sometimes a lot of people. [00:04:36]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?