10 Benefits of Serving Others

You are never more like Jesus than when you serve and give. Matthew 20:28 says, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” If you’ve been thinking of serving, here are 10 ways it benefits you too! 

1. Discover Your Purpose 

Finding your purpose is no small thing, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Serving in a variety of ways helps you discover your passions. When what breaks your heart meets what the world needs, you are one step closer to discovering your purpose. 

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’
Jeremiah 29:11

2. Change Your Perspective 

Serving gives you new perspective. Matthew Barnett from the L.A. Dream Center says, “The quickest way to get through your pain is to help someone else who is hurting worse.” 

The God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

3. Find Community

Serving connects you to others you might not have met otherwise. Not only will you meet people with similar interests and values, but if you’re shy, it can help you develop confidence—and if you’re new to an area, it’s a great way to meet new people. 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.
Matthew 18:20

4. Strengthen Family Relationships

Serving others can strengthen your family bonds and make lifelong memories. It teaches your children perspective and gratitude. 

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

Looking for ways to serve and become stronger as a family? The Family Experience is a local Missions Trip where you can spend 2 days sharing the love of Jesus in a local community. 

5. Learn Valuable Life Lessons

Serving helps you grow in gratitude. Rather than comparing yourself to what everyone else has, serving others gives you an opportunity to be grateful for what God has already blessed you with.

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
Acts 20:35

6. Grow Your Faith

When serving in your church, you have the opportunity to see your faith in action. You also have the opportunity to be a part of other people’s stories of transformation. 

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. — Jesus
Matthew 25:40

7. Reduce Stress

Research has shown a link between chronic pain and stress. Volunteering releases several positive chemicals like endorphins, which Harvard Health describes as the “brain’s natural pain reliever” when you volunteer or do something you enjoy. This is sometimes called the “helper’s high.”

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Psalm 94:19

8. Expand Work Experience

Aside from looking good on a resumé, you can learn valuable job skills and training without making a major commitment. These skills include collaboration, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. 

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
Colossians 3:23

9. Lower Mortality Rate 

According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, older adults doing at least 100 hours of volunteer work per year (or, 2 hours per week), resulted in better health, reduced depression, and increased longevity.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10

10. Have Fun!

What isn’t fun about making friends, traveling, and seeing people benefit from your work? Bring your family and friends—you’ll be surprised by the conversations you’ll have afterward and the joy you will have in your life. 

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.
Proverbs 11:25

Are you ready to take a step in faith? No matter what gifts you have, there's a place for you. Find your spot on the Dream Team today or join Christ Fellowship Missions to reach out and serve others at their point of need.

More Heart for the House Series Resources